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After concussion laws, more safety measures
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Wednesday, 30 May 2012 00:00

After concussion laws, more safety measures Featured

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New scientific data and increased awareness regarding the potential for long-term effects from concussions have led to several proposals to reduce the number of injuries suffered by student-athletes in Washington State. Home of the Lystedt Law, Washington State's concussion law was passed in 2009 and adopted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who urged all governors to pass similar legislation. Thirty-six states have done so.

The next step in protecting athletes will likely come from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association where a number of solutions are under consideration, some more popular than others.

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Limiting equipment use

This winter, Robert Polk, athletic director at Everett High School proposed an amendment to the WIAA that would severely limit the use of school-issued football helmets and shoulder pads during the summer. WIAA Amendment 6 would only allow this specialized equipment to be used during the designated school season and for summer all-state games, effectively curtailing contact summer camps or similar pre-season activity. It's purpose was to help reduce the number of hits sustained by football players.

The idea was not well accepted by coaches around the state, and hundreds signed a petition against it fearing unintended consequences.

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"In my opinion it's OK to take small steps and limit teams to attending only approved camps and limit spring contact to one week," said Lakewood head coach DanTeeter, who runs a passing camp during the summer that would become irrelevant if Amendment 6 passed. "But this amendment just goes too far."

The amendment was voted down by a large margin.

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"More and more studies are showing that the culmination of all of these hits are ending in brain trauma and lasting effects," Polk said. "I wanted to make sure we got the conversation going about kids safety," according to theHeraldnet.com.

More changes ahead

"Go out and play the beautiful game of football, but do it the right way and let's not beat these kids up," Bob Bourgette, president of the Washington State Football Coaches Association told King-5 news.

His organization is asking high school teams to cut the number of practice days from as many as 48, down to 20. Less practices, less contact, fewer concussions. The WSFCA position statement was submitted to the WIAA executive board at its April 15 meeting. The program is voluntary this year and Bourgette says he has received positive feedback from superintendents, principals, and athletic directors.

He is in good comhttps://Last summer, eight Ivy League presidents, two of whom are medical doctors, reduced the number of contact practices for their football teams allowing fewer per week than NCAA rules specify.

Thehttps://s also considering changes to kick-off rules moving the ball closer to the 50-yard line, in an effort to reduce high-impact collisions.


Source: Proposed limits on football practice, helmet use, sparks spirited outcry -- the Heraldnet.com -- Feb. 27, 2012

Concussion controversy could change rules for high school football -- King5 News -- May 11, 2012

Photo courtesy of (c)2008 I'll Never Grow Up@CreativeCommons

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