Protecting student athletes after a concussion

     On Wednesday, March 14, the Education Committee passed out House File 2442, which is a comprehensive bill that would update how Iowa High School athletes are taken care of after suffering a concussion. The bill brings together the Department of Public Health, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to develop training materials for schools and coaches in regards to proper concussion protocol, including when it’s healthy to return to school and return to the activity.

     This piece of legislation also incentivizes school districts to have a professional health care provider/athletic trainer on hand at all athletic events seventh through 12^th grade. The bill eliminates the liability of having these professionals on hand for schools that follow best practices.

     As the father of three high school athletes, and as a former football and wrestling coach, I’m acutely aware of the pressure to jump back into competition prematurely, even when it’s not in the best health interests of students. I’m also aware of the traumatic brain injury that can result from injuries like concussions. We need trained health care professionals on hand to determine if and when an athlete can continue competing.

     Under this bill, following a concussion, students would be evaluated by a trained health care provider before they are allowed to return to play, or return to learn.

     As a coach and parent, I’m glad we are taking the risks of repetitive concussions to prevent traumatic brain injury seriously.