Senate Approves Legislation on Preventing Head Injuries in Student-Athletes

The state Senate recently approved new legislation that aims to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in student athletes.

The proposed law would require coaches to remove student athletes from play who show signs of a concussion until a medical professional examines them.

Additionally, coaches would be required to complete concussion certification courses, and parents and guardians would have to read and sign documents annually about head injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 300,000 children and teens suffer a sports- or recreation-related TBI. A large percentage of those are adolescents ages 15 to 19 – the age of most student-athletes.

All brain injuries, including concussions, can be serious. Even those recovering from a “mild traumatic brain injury” can experience symptoms that last over a year following the injury and are more likely to suffer another TBI. The recovery time also is much higher for children and teens than it is for adults.

An administration spokesperson said the governor intends to sign the bill.