First "Concussion in Sports" Law

It is becoming standard practice for youth and high school sports programs to have policies and regulations when it comes to concussion protocols. Many high schools now require athletes and their parents to undergo “concussion education” before they are cleared to participate in their sport. This education includes the signs and symptoms of a concussion, the importance of self-reporting, and the dangers of playing with a concussion. Return to play guidelines are also covered so that if an individual sustains a concussion, they will be aware of the steps they have to go through in order to return to the sport. Recently, a law made this required.

In 2009, the state of Washington passed the Zackery LystedtLaw, the first “concussion in sports” law.

“The new law (House Bill 1824), known as the Zachery Lystedt Law, requires medical clearance of youth athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion, before sending them back in the game, practice or training." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three actions should be included in every program in regards to concussion:

1.  Educate coaches, parents, and athletes
2. Remove athlete from play
3. Obtain permission to return to play

With these guidelines, “an athlete can only return to play or practice after at least 24 hours and with permission from a health care professional. That being said, the Athletic Trainer has the final authority on whether they believe an athlete should participate or not. More laws need to be implemented in regards to concussion to certify the safety of athletes everywhere. Too many athletes and parents are unaware of the risks that they are taking when playing with a concussion. The dangers are serious and real and should not be taken lightly. The “suck it up” attitude of athletes, parents, and coaches needs to be eradicated in order to ensure the safety of the athletes.

New programs for football leagues are being implemented to ensure that all coaches are being taught how to instruct players to tackle correctly. This training is available for youth, high school, and clinicians. The training includes correct tackling techniques and similar concussion training as described above. This program is called Heads Up. The program is a great way to teach these coaches, parents, and players how to prevent, recognize, and respond to a player that has a concussion.

For more information on concussion laws and policies, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/policies.html