States Address Concerns about Concussions in Youth Sports

Education Commission of the States (ECS) reviewed legislation in the 50 states to see how state leaders are responding to concerns about concussions in youth sports. This report reviews state responses to concussion concerns, and provides examples of provisions put in place by California, Connecticut, and Texas. Three emerging innovations are suggested for consideration in policy or guidelines (steps that go beyond symptom-driven diagnosis, which has proven to be an inexact science) that can shape the future of state legislation regarding concussions in youth sports: (1) baseline testing--a preseason exam conducted by a trained health care professional assessing an athlete's balance, brain function, and signs of concussion symptoms; (2) blood test--a test measuring the brain protein S100B that leaks into the blood stream following a brain injury; and (3) an iPad app for use during a game following an athlete taking a hard hit--the iPad's gyroscope and accelerometer detect balance problems. This report also discusses current work being done to address the prevention of concussions, as well as the need for future research and continued work in terms of policy implementation and education regarding concussions.