Young Athletes, Concussions and the Prevention of Brain Injuries

February 08, 2012

The terrible truth about the danger of football head injuries keeps piling up. Many former pro players are burdened later in life with dementia and other forms of long-term cognitive loss. Some of these players are suing the NFL, seeking compensation for their injuries.

But the problem of brain damage suffered in sports competition isn't present only at the professional level. As knowledge of the problem increases, state legislatures have begun to respond with laws aimed at making competition safer in youth sports.

This is a development that Ohio brain injury lawyers are following with close interest. After all, the problem of diminished quality of life due to a head injury goes beyond football, or even youth sports in general. It also includes many victims of motor vehicle accidents and people who suffer slip and fall injuries.

New York Concussion Law

In New York State, a new law will take effect this summer aimed at improving the response to concussions in youth sports. It requires that an athlete who suffers a concussion be removed from competition for at least 24 hours. Before returning to competition, the athlete must also obtain a medical clearance.

If the clearance is not granted, the athlete will not be allowed to play. Even when the athlete has become symptom-free, the law includes guidelines calling for a gradual return to play, not an immediate one. Permission from a school doctor will be required to make a full return to action.

This concussion management plan will take effect in New York on July 1. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association is preparing training for school officials to implement the program.

Other State Responses to Concussions

New York is not alone in taking action to respond to the problem of concussions in football and other youth sports. California is considering a bill to require increased sports medicine training for high school coaches. The enhanced training would focus on concussion risks.

The Kentucky House of Representatives has already passed a similar bill. The Kentucky bill would require training for all middle school and high school coaches on the recognition and treatment of concussions.

Should Ohio follow suit? Given the accumulating evidence about the potential long-term brain injuries from concussions suffered by young people, the state that hosts the football Hall of Fame would do well to get its head in the game.

Article provided by Gervelis Law Firm
Visit us at www.gervelislaw.com