Two studies released this week by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that concussions in youth sports are on the rise, as emergency room visits for young athletes suffering concussions have increased significantly. It’s time that the old school “just suck it up and go back in there and play” mentality from coaches, athletic administrators, and fans needs to change. States and local school boards need to introduce strict rules to protect young athletes who suffer head injuries. You can’t leave it up to the individual player who doesn’t want to come out of the game and doesn’t want to let his or her teammates down. Players who suffer concussions are vulnerable to further injury and it should be required that they get medical clearance from a doctor before they are allowed to continue playing. It’s a serious issue. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 3.8 million sport-related concussions occur each year. A few years ago, a La Salle University football player died from a concussion related injury. Have you ever had a concussion related issue as a player, coach, parent, or fan? Please comment below.
I had a concussion when I was 9. I was out of it for like a week.
Why all the attention regarding concussions now? The people who played sports back in the day after adults now. Surely they’ve had concussions and are OK. I don’t see the fuss.
As a high school official I have seen the evolution of concern over concussions, and rightly so over the last several years. A release was just sent out 2 days ago by the PIAA, the governing body for school sports in PA. It itemized the rules to be followed if an athlete shows any signs of concussion at all. He/she may not re-enter the game unless a doctor (not a trainer) is on staff at the game and authorizes it. In other words that athlete is pretty much done if the the official feels so. I believe this is the right approach. In my 39 years of officiating I’ve seen some serious head injuries that were not treated with the same caution and could have resulted in tragedies. When I was a football player years ago I suffered several concussions, and went back in the game. I remember that feeling, and it was very unpleasant, but I did what the coach told me to do. This is why informed adults need to be in charge of situations like this, because the athletes will do whatever the coach instructs.