Concussion Bill Signed by Governor
ANTIS TOWNSHIP, BLAIR COUNTY – Pennsylvania has officially joined the growing list of States with a concussion bill in place.
A number of schools in our area report they are already taking the protective steps outlined in the new law. Still there is the feeling that the new law will help reduce student concussions. An estimated 300,000 Americans will get a sports related concussion this year and the Pennsylvania Medical Society believes that high school student-athletes are more vulnerable to concussions than older athletes because their central nervous systems are more immature.
That’s why Governor Tom Corbett signed the “Safety in Youth Sports Bill” before a group of student athletes at the Lower Dauphin High School. The new Pennsylvania law will require specific testing and clearances any injured athlete would need before they can go back into action. There is plenty of support for making these procedures mandatory.
In the Bellwood Antis school district, officials point out their current program of testing injured students goes far beyond what is required even under the new law. Football Coach John Hayes says he believes the new State rules may help make sure injured students get the attention they need.
The new Pennsylvania Concussion Law will take effect on July 1st in time for the next academic year. The bill is written to cover all student athletes including cheerleaders and educate then about concussions and what should be done to treat them properly.