Concussion Law Protects Young Athletes
Athlete Suspected Of Concussion Must Sit Out
SAN ANTONIO — Young athletes, especially football players, grow accustomed to taking hits.
But those hits — once thought harmless — are proving to be much more detrimental to their health.
“It induces such a forceful movement of the brain or skull that it produces an injury,” Dr. Paul Saenz said.
According to the National Coalition on Youth Sport Concussion, each year doctors treat an estimated 135,000 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries.
“Football practice in the San Antonio area began one week ago Monday and I have seen no fewer than four concussions in the office already,” Saenz said.
In June, proponents for stronger concussion legislation got a boost after Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 2038 into law. Called Natasha’s Law, it requires a student be removed from play if he or she is suspected of suffering a concussion.
Saenz said the best protocol to use is “When in doubt, sit them out”.
Warren High School football coach Bryan Dausin said he already sits his players out if he suspects they’ve suffered a concussion.
“I know in the past if there’s ever any doubt, we don’t play them. They stay out,” Dausin said.
According to Natasha’s Law, young athletes must then be evaluated by a health care professional.
A physician will then have the sole responsibility of deciding when the student can get back to play.
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