PA Law Helps Protect Youth from Concussions

Governor Tom Corbett signed a law called the Safety in Youth Sports Act (PDF) that increases awareness and prevention of head injuries among athletes in school-sponsored athletics.  The legislation requires students showing symptoms of a concussion to be sidelined and barred from participating in games, competitions, scrimmages and practices until cleared by an appropriate medical professional.  

As part of the legislation, the Pennsylvania Department of Education will be providing guidelines and relevant materials to inform and educate students participating in or desiring to participate in an athletic activity, their parents and their coaches, about the nature and risk of concussion and traumatic brain injury, including the risks associated with continuing to play or practice after a concussion or traumatic brain injury.  These items will be made available on the Standards Aligned System in the near future.