Warrick County schools are tightening their concussion regulations for student-athletes. Monday evening the school board unanimously voted to adopt new rules that are in line with state requirements.
The new resolution aims to educate students, parents and coaches about the nature and risks of head injuries. Warrick County started requiring preseason baseline tests from all athletes several years ago. If a student-athlete suffers a head injury, they must be tested before they can play again. But under the new rules, that student must also provide written proof from a doctor saying the athlete is, once again, fit to play.
School officials say the recent revelation of long-term neurological complications among older generations of athletes has thrown head injury education and prevention in the forefront.
"I think history has caught up to us," says Superintendent Brad Schneider, adding that recent research proves how dangerous repeated brain injuries can be to an athlete's long-term health.
"I do think it's a good thing that we're now taking some steps to make sure the current generation is aware of the dangers of concussions," says Schneider. "Not just the dangers today, but for the next 25 years -- or the rest of their lives."
The rules are effective immediately. They apply to all student-athletes, regardless of gender or sport.
The new resolution aims to educate students, parents and coaches about the nature and risks of head injuries. Warrick County started requiring preseason baseline tests from all athletes several years ago. If a student-athlete suffers a head injury, they must be tested before they can play again. But under the new rules, that student must also provide written proof from a doctor saying the athlete is, once again, fit to play.
School officials say the recent revelation of long-term neurological complications among older generations of athletes has thrown head injury education and prevention in the forefront.
"I think history has caught up to us," says Superintendent Brad Schneider, adding that recent research proves how dangerous repeated brain injuries can be to an athlete's long-term health.
"I do think it's a good thing that we're now taking some steps to make sure the current generation is aware of the dangers of concussions," says Schneider. "Not just the dangers today, but for the next 25 years -- or the rest of their lives."
The rules are effective immediately. They apply to all student-athletes, regardless of gender or sport.
