High School Sports: Concussion Safety

The Foothill Media Group writes that, “Here in Connecticut we have taken similar action. Earlier this year, the General Assembly unanimously passed SB 456, An Act Concerning Student Athletes and Concussions. The new law, which went into effect on July 1st, requires anyone who has a coaching permit issued by the State Board of Education and who coaches intramural or interscholastic athletics to be periodically trained in how to recognize and respond to head injuries and concussions.

It also requires that coaches take a student athlete out of any game or practice if the athlete (1) shows signs of having suffered a concussion after an observed or suspected blow to the head or body or (2) is diagnosed with concussion. The coach must keep the athlete out of any game or practice until the athlete has received written clearance to return to the game or practice from a licensed medical professional. The law pertains to all sports not just football.

No longer can we consider an athlete who receives a blow to the head as someone who simply got their “bell rung” where the player is back on the playing field in a matter of minutes. Concussions can have serious implications and we need to treat these injuries in a serious manner.

Sometimes it’s not easy to get a player out of a game, especially in the heat of battle when the game is on the line and the pressure to win is at its greatest. That is why I believe this new law is necessary because — with the proper training — coaches will not be able to ignore the signs of a concussion. As one of my colleagues said on the floor of the Senate, “when in doubt, sit them out.” With the fall sports about to begin, I believe that is the best policy. ”

Read more about concussion safety for high school athletes.