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Head U Concussions



July 3, 2011
by Jean Rickerson, Editor

National Coalition Encourages Concussion Laws

 

 

 

It’s been a very rewarding year for advocates of youth sports concussion laws. At last count, 27 states have passed concussion legislation, with several more pending.

 

Leading the nationwide charge is the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)/NFL’s National Coalition on Youth Sport Concussion, made up of over 30 partner organizations.


Current concussion laws vary by state. Last year, nine states passed laws similar in nature to Washington State’s Lystedt Law, which was enacted in 2009. This law requires youth athletes to be removed from practice or a game if a concussion is suspected, and return-to-play is only allowed with written medical authorization.


Fifteen states passed similar laws so far this year, and several are currently awaiting a governor’s signature.


Colorado’s new law requires coaches in public or private schools as well as volunteer coaches for private youth sports organizations like Pop Warner to receive annual online concussion training. It was billed as the toughest concussion law at the time of its passage in March.


In North Carolina, school districts must have an emergency plan in place as part of their school-wide concussion management programs, according to their law passed a few weeks ago.


The city of Chicago passed an ordinance earlier this year that would redact free sewer/water fees to those schools found to be non-compliant with city-wide concussion management regulations.


Dan Henkel, Senior Director of Communication and Advocacy at ACSM said, “The focus after enactment turns to implementation, and ACSM is working with others to address the need for training and credentialing of those who can diagnose and manage sports-related concussion. That’s a big need created by all the new laws.”


And he’s generous with his credit to other organizations for their support, particularly the NFL.


“I must emphasize how big the NFL’s contribution has been. They’ve devoted many hours and many dollars to this fight and pledge to continue working to enact laws governing concussion in youth sports,” said Henkel.


The ACSM and the American Academy of Neurology will have a booth at the meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in San Diego to address next session’s concussion legislation in states that have yet to enact strong laws. They are planning a media event with celebrity athletes to gain attention from legislators, the media and the public.

 

Questions/comments?  Contact Jean Rickerson at jean@sportsconcussions.org


Youth Sports Concussion - Prevention, Diagnosis, News

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