August 14, 2013
With the dangers that Traumatic Brain Injuries can pose to young athletes, lawmakers and officials with the State of Indiana’s school system have implemented policies aimed at protecting student athletes from harm.
According to an article published by The Kokomo Tribune, legislators passed the Senate Enrolled Act 93 of 2010 requiring that all coaches, athletes, and players receive information about the symptoms and risk of brain injuries, such as concussions. Parents of athletes also must sign consent forms stating they recognize the risks of concussions.
Furthermore, any player who displays the symptoms of a concussion or brain injury must be pulled from participation until a trained medical specialist clears him or her to return to the field.
The moves come after research linked head injuries to serious adverse health events being experienced by former professional football players. The findings hit closer to home when a standout Marion High School football player was seriously injured in 2008 as a result of a blow to the head.
Experts are also pushing for players to utilize new technologies aimed at preventing head injuries as well.
The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart & Stewart Attorneys remind athletes to be extra cautious during the coming fall season and encourage them to speak up and seek assistance if they feel they have suffered a serious head injury.