Lawmakers Move To Better Protect Student Athletes

Legislation designed to protect student athletes who suffer concussions from risking further medical complications passed the House Education Subcommittee this week with full support from Republican lawmakers.

As introduced, House Bill 867 would ensure guidelines are in place to help coaches, youth athletic instructors, and parents recognize a concussion and its symptoms in order to keep an injured player from risking their health by returning to competition too soon.

In addition, the legislation requires that schools and organization develop a policy of removing youth from sports activity who show signs of concussion until they receive a medical evaluation from a licensed doctor stating they are clear to return to play.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that from 2001 to 2009, concussions among youth increased 60%, leading the agency to label concussion frequency as reaching “epidemic” proportions.

House Bill 867 will next be heard in the full House Education Committee on March 12.