California and 19 other states have passed laws to limit the possibility of head injuries for football players younger than 19. These laws are applicable to all middle schools and high schools, whether they be public, charter or private. California took an active stand to address the growing concern that school-age football players could sustain head injuries.
What is CA AB2127?
The January 2015 assembly bill was passed to restrict full-contact practices in the off- and in-season. This law does not regulate youth football. It allows players to rest and heal before they return to practice or games.
A middle-school or high school player who is diagnosed with a brain injury or other concussion-like symptoms must be removed from the game for at least seven days. A licensed healthcare facility or doctor must diagnose the player.
Brain Injuries and High School Football
- It’s not surprising that American football has the highest rate of concussions among male contact sports. According to the Institute of Medicine, concussions in high school football players exceed those of college players.
- The support provided by the state for prevention programs does not mean that football is banned. Prevention programs aim to ensure that safety equipment, including helmets, fits properly. They also teach the correct techniques for tackling helmet-to-helmet contact.
- The programs are designed to supplement on-field training by teaching parents, coaches, and players how to recognize and raise awareness about concussion-type symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Concussion?
A traumatic brain Injury may occur in mild forms known as a “concussion”. Concussions are common in contact sports but can also occur from any type of strike to the head.
Each person’s symptoms and severity will vary depending on the circumstances of each accident. These are the most common symptoms:
- Mental fog, or difficulty remembering
- Headaches
- No tolerance for bright lights or loud noises
- Slow or delayed response time
- Nilght or vomiting
- Changes in mood
- Changes in sleeping patterns
Concussions do not require that a person lose consciousness. Rest and healing are the best treatment, other than anything that is prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes it takes weeks or months to notice the symptoms and properly heal.
Mild brain injuries that don’t heal properly can cause permanent damage to memory and cognition.
Summarized from an article by Rose, Klein & Marias Injury Lawyers.
