Ohio -- New concussion laws going into effect in April 2013 requiring changes for parents, coaches, and even referees.

Doctors say concussions have become a problem for interscholastic athletics, and the state of Ohio is stepping up, adding another layer of protection for its student athletes.

"Any time we rule on safety for the student athlete you're going in the right direction," said John DeBlasis, director of rehabilitation at Wheeling Hospital.

In Ohio new “return to play law” parents will have to return a signed form provided by the school saying they've received a concussion information sheet from the state.

Coaches and referees may not serve unless they have completed a free online training program every three years. Both will be asked to remove a student athlete from participation if they show signs of a concussion. That athlete will not be permitted to return to activity on that day.

"Clearing an athlete from return to play has to be done either by a physician or a licensed health care provider," said DeBlasis.

Just last year, DeBlasis and Wheeling Hospital performed 1,500 baseline tests on OVAC athletes from over a dozen schools, and he saw about 150 kids with concussions.

"The most vital piece of this scenario is the fact that the parents have to be involved. They spend a significant amount of time obviously with their child. They'll be able to decide whether or not that young man or young woman is acting appropriately or inappropriately," said DeBlasis.

With Ohio, now 43 of 50 states have passed concussion laws for student athletes.

West Virginia is not one of them.

For a look at the new laws, click here.