Health Watch: Delaware High School Concussion Law
DOVER, Del. (CBS) -- Protecting high school athletes is the mission of Delaware's new concussion law. It was signed today by Governor Jack Markell.
Doctors say high school athletes are more susceptible to concussions, and long term brain injuries. Delaware's new law aims to reduce the number head injuries that can be especially troublesome for football players.
Wilmington's Concord Raiders are getting ready for their first game of the new season.
Starting next year they'll have to be benched if they're suspected of having a concussion, and get a doctors note before returning. The new concussion law, signed by Governor Markell, also mandates better education for coaches, parents and athletes.
"This is about keeping our young people healthy," said Governor Markell.
"It's a good idea cause concussion are a serious thing. People die from them so it's fine, fine with me," said Eric Butler, the Raiders Wide Receiver. He suffered a concussion a couple weeks ago, and is now being carefully monitored, and in non-contact practices.
"I just got hit in the head, and I just started feeling light headed, little dizziness," said Eric.
"We absolutely are taking all the necessary steps, ensuring our athletes are in good health and ready to return to play, said Erin McCrudden, the team trainer. She says they have a strict protocol for handling concussions.
"It can be extremely detrimental to an athletes health if we get them back out there too soon and they take another serious hit," said Erin.
"It they can't play that's the way it is. I don't question anything that they say," said George Kosanovich, the Raiders Head Coach.
"Concussions are scary, they're really. They may have an effect for a lifetime," said Dr. Michael Axe, a Sports Injury Specialist.
Among the group assembled to show support for the new concussion law, former Eagle Vince Papale.
"We've got to protect our kids against that and also educate everybody about it, and that's why today is so important," said Vince.
Signs of a concussion can be delayed and not so obvious.
RELATED LINKS:
High School Sports Concussion Safety - http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/high_school.html
Local High School Concussion Protocol:
DE - http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/students_family/diaa/files/DIAAConcussPrtcl2010.pdf
PA - http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2011_NFHS_SMAC_Suggested_Guidelines_Concussion.pdf
NJ - http://www.njsiaa.org/NJSIAA/11ConcussionPolicyNJSIAA.pdf
Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
