Concussions have been among the most discussed injuries in sports in recent years, especially in the high school and collegiate levels of football and hockey. Education Week recently published an article explaining that a majority of states have now enacted laws regarding concussions in high school sports to battle the injury and potential for further brain damage.
According to the source, 43 states have either passed concussion legislation or currently have legislation pending. Montana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida and Hawaii are the only seven states without any legislation, though many believe every state will pass laws regarding student-athlete concussions soon.
“It is only a matter of time until there are data showing how these state concussion laws are preventing catastrophic injuries, saving lives and preventing chronic outcomes from repeated concussion,” Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, an expert in the field, explained to the news source.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Traumatic Brain Injury often results from concussions or other repeated blows to the head. The CDC estimated 1.7 million Americans sustain brain injuries annually, leading many coaches, administrators and legislators to rethink regulations regarding concussions and continued play among student athletes.
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