The Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure today expanding Connecticut's concussion policy for young athletes. The bill now heads to the Senate for a vote.
House Bill 5113, broadens a 2010 law regarding youth athletics and concussions. State Representative Diana Urban is co-chair of the Committed on Children. She said the expanded bill gives parents more information and power when their child suffers a potential head injury while playing sports.
"Research has shown," Urban said, "that when the parent and the athlete know the dangers and the long-term impact of a concussion, that you have fewer repeat injuries, and you don't see the athlete pushing to return. We really thought that it was time Connecticut to be sure that our parents and our athletes [have] that information."
The bill requires schools to give parents an consent form regarding the school's concussion education plan. A coach or principal must notify a parent within 24 hours after a student athlete is pulled from a game for a suspected concussion.The child will not be allowed to participate in any physical activity until cleared by a doctor.
The bill also requires all coaches to complete an initial concussion training course, with refresher courses every five years. School districts will have to report all concussions incidents to the state Board of Education on yearly basis.
The measure paseed on a 145-0 vote in the House of Representatives, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
