This week Connecticut legislators detailed some of the specifics of a proposed bill to help protect student athletes from the effects of brain concussions. Using the tagline, “When in doubt, sit it out,” the bill would:
•Prohibit students from participating in a game or practice on the same day they exhibit signs of a concussion or are diagnosed with one.
•Require athletes with suspected concussions to receive medical clearance before returning.
•Require coaches to be trained in recognizing concussion symptoms and seeking proper treatment.
If passed, Connecticut would join Oregon and Washington as the only states with legislation attempting to address the issue of concussions in youth sports.
Meanwhile, California Assemblymember Mary Hayashi of Hayward is shepherding her legislation through the state legislature. The bill would amend sections of the California Education Code and would require:
“all coaches taking or renewing first aid certification to take training that includes a basic understanding of the signs, symptoms, and appropriate emergency action steps regarding potentially catastrophic injuries including, but not limited to, head and neck injuries, concussions, 2nd impact syndrome, asthma attacks, heatstroke, and cardiac arrest.”
This legislation can’t come fast enough for some athletes. According to previously published reports, most concussions in high school sports occur in football and soccer.
Having trained coaches on the sidelines can make a huge difference when head injuries occur. Would you have known how to handle this situation?
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