Lawmakers push for concussion response bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Tighter regulations regarding how school officials and others handle concussions suffered by Pennsylvania student athletes were proposed in the Legislature on Wednesday, as former NFL players and others spoke out in support.
Identical bills in the House and Senate would require that students who have suffered concussions be treated by a proper medical professional and get written clearance before they are allowed to resume practice, scrimmages or games.
“Even a ding or a bump on the head can be serious” and lead to long-term disability, said Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, sponsor of the House version.
A similar Briggs-sponsored bill passed the House last year but died in the state Senate.
Former Philadelphia Eagles Harold Carmichael and Mike Quick joined the sponsors at a news conference in the Capitol on Wednesday to urge passage of the legislation, which also has the NFL’s support.
Tracy Yatsko, 23, who had a concussion in 2005 while playing Tamaqua high school basketball, spoke of how her injury has resulted in a series of health problems.
“This bill is, in a way, giving my life purpose,” Yatsko said.
“It’s better to miss one game than to miss your whole life.”
Sen. Pat Browne of Lehigh County, the sponsor of the Senate bill, said adults must take a leading role in dealing with head injuries, knowing the warning signs as well as the proper response.
He said as many as 40 percent of student athletes with such injuries return to games or practice prematurely.
“Too many players are paying a heavy price for these injuries,” Browne said.
The bills also would mandate a concussion awareness form that parents and athletes have to sign before participating in school sports.
They would cover interscholastic school sports, school-affiliated club sports and student cheerleading.
Joe Browne with the NFL said the league hopes to help more states adopt concussion-related legislation this year.
The Associated Press
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