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New Concussion Rules for High School Athletes Unveiled by National Federation of High Schools

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Federation of High Schools has implemented new concussion rules for high school athletes, emphasizing the importance of caution and safety in treating head injuries. As part of these changes, officials and coaches will closely monitor athletes for signs and symptoms of concussions, and those displaying such signs will be immediately removed from the contest. This decision comes after research revealed that only 3.2 percent of concussed athletes lost consciousness during the 2009 football season. The new rules also encourage schools to provide free ImPac testing, a computer program that measures cognitive levels, to identify potential concussions. Additionally, coaches are required to take a free online course on concussion protocols, and schools are expected to implement and enforce stringent concussion procedures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Federation of High Schools has introduced new concussion rules to prioritize athlete safety, requiring immediate removal from play if signs or symptoms of concussions are observed.
  • Only 3.2 percent of concussed athletes lost consciousness during the 2009 football season, according to two medical studies on high school athletics.
  • The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) has dedicated a section on its website to the new guidelines and is mailing hard copy versions to its member schools.
  • ImPac testing, a computer program that measures cognitive levels, is being promoted as a tool to identify potential concussions, with Gwinnett County schools providing free access.
  • Coaches are required to take a free online course on concussion protocols, and schools are expected to implement and enforce stringent concussion procedures.
  • The GHSA is working with schools to establish a county-wide ImPac testing program, with Cobb County aiming to arrange a similar deal within the next month.
  • Lincoln County coach Larry Campbell orders a special helmet that provides better protection from future concussions for players showing symptoms.
  • Referees now have authority to send a player who displays concussion symptoms out of the game, which has raised concerns among some coaches.
  • The GHSA is taking an aggressive approach to concussion protocols, with the goal of not requiring legislative intervention.
  • The new rules emphasize the importance of caution and safety in treating head injuries, with officials and coaches advised to use their best judgment in observing signs and symptoms.

Statistics:

  • 3.2 percent of concussed athletes lost consciousness during the 2009 football season, according to two medical studies on high school athletics.
  • GHSA has dedicated a large section on its website to the new concussion guidelines.
  • Gwinnett County schools have access to free ImPac testing provided by Gwinnett Medical Center.
  • Cobb County is attempting to arrange a similar deal for ImPac testing within the next month.
  • Only 3.2 percent of concussed athletes lost consciousness during the 2009 football season.

Sources:

  • Byline: Michael Carvell
  • National Federation of High Schools
  • Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
  • Gwinnett Medical Center
  • Cobb County Schools
  • Lincoln County Schools
  • Corky Kell Classic

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