Cuomo signs student-athlete concussion law
A chin strap secures Alex Fehmel's helmet in place. Shoreham-Wading River girls lacrosse players Fehmel and Clare Blomberg have had concussions, so they now wear foam helmets specially made for them. (April 27, 2011) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed a new law that will increase protections for student-athletes who suffer concussions, a measure championed by Long Island legislators.
The new law would require any student who is believed to have suffered a concussion to be immediately removed from athletic activities and banned from returning until he or she is symptom-free for at least 24 hours and cleared by a physician.
Also, the law mandates coaches, teachers and other school personnel to receive training about concussion symptoms. The measure becomes effective July 1.
"The guidelines that will be issued under this law will help enable student-athletes who experience concussions to get prompt treatment, helping avoid the future health problems that often accompany such injuries," Cuomo said. "By raising awareness to the risks of mild traumatic brain injuries, we are protecting students across New York and ensuring that their health and safety is our top priority."
The law also orders the state Education Department and Health Department and school districts to provide information about the signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injuries.
State Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) sponsored the bill because high school athletes probably were too often returning to competition too soon after suffering concussions, he said. Also, he said research now indicates that those who suffer an initial concussion are much more likely to experience another.
Hannon called the new law a breakthrough.
"More and more, people are becoming aware how serious concussions can be," Hannon said. "Twenty-five years ago, someone got dinged, they held up a hand and said, 'How many fingers?' and they were put back in the game."
The senator noted the new law applies to any student, even those injured in intramural games or just horseplay. He said that more work needs to be done to detect and treat concussions, but that the new law will have an impact.
"The bottom line is, kids will be taken care of better," Hannon said.
The measure won the backing of the state Brain Injury Association, the state Public High School Association and the NFL.
Hannon's early version of the concussion bill mandated that schools establish "concussion management teams." In June, he changed the mandate to a suggestion, clearing the way for the Senate and Assembly to pass it before the 2011 legislative session is adjourned.
More High Schools
