A proposed bill in front of the Legislature would require a coach to immediately remove any athlete who suffers a concussion and would prevent the athlete from playing until being properly evaluated.

The bill, which has already been endorsed by an Assembly committee and is awaiting a vote there, would prevent an athlete from returning to play until he or she is examined by a medical professional trained in evaluating and managing head injuries. Furthermore, the athlete would have to have written permission to return to an active status. The Senate is expected to consider a similar bill.

The proposed bill would cover public and private schools in addition to athletic clubs and other types of organizations. Currently, at least 36 states in addition to the District of Columbia have laws regarding youth athletes and head injuries.

The bill would require guidelines to be developed about the risk of concussion and head injuries in youth sporting and the athletic events, created in conjunction with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association The information provided would be geared to parents and athletes between 11 and 19 years old.

The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has come out in support of the legislation. According to the WIAAP traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs or concussions, in young athletes has been rising and can drastically affect both short-term and long-term health of those involved.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control showed that between 2002 and 2006 children and older adolescents were two of three groups most likely to suffer a TBI. Nearly half a million emergency room visits were made annually for TBIs in children ages 0 to 14.

Studies have shown that multiple concussions are especially worrisome and can cause lifelong problems.

For more information about the proposed bill and the statistics, check out the links below.

If you or your loved one has suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, our offices may be able to assist you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

Proposed bill >>

CDC: Traumatic Brain Injury >>