HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) – Governor Corbett will hold a ceremonial bill signing today for a measure passed by the legislature that will create new procedures for handling concussions suffered by student athletes (see related story).

Gerry Schwille, president of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association, believes the education provisions of the new law will be especially important, “To educate parents on the signs and symptoms of concussions, to educate coaches, teachers.”

Schwille says many folks have already been preparing for the new law. “At least here, from the athletic director’s standpoint, we’ve been following this bill for quite some time. Already, since we’ve heard about this several years ago, I think large strides have been made.”

Dr. Marilyn Heine, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, is keen on the requirement that athletes who show signs of concussion be immediately removed from the game and not allowed to play again until evaluated by an appropriate medical professional.

“It’s really imperative to have a medical specialist who’s trained in concussion management.”

Meanwhile, Greg Janik, president of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society, says some schools already have trainers on staff, “But for schools that do not have athletic trainers, I think this legislation will help.”

Governor Corbett officially signed the bill last week.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060