AMARILLO, TX -- Texas educators and the University Interscholastic League will consider new guidelines to be adopted when it comes to students suffering concussions during sporting events.
Current rules allow students to return if they remain symptom free for at least 15 minutes. The new rule being drafted keeps them out for at least one day and require an exam by a health care professional. AISD officials say the students well-being is the most important thing.
"Kids are bigger, stronger and faster than they used to be...so obviously it's becoming something we are really more aware of and really trying to take care of the kids in that matter, and I think probably they're proactive in what they do and maybe the UIL is catching up to us, I know in AISD, our trainers have been doing (that) for a while," said Brad Thiessen, AISD Athletics Director.
Among the recommendations being proposed by the UIL's medical advisory committee are these:
• An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion must be evaluated by a licensed health care professional to determine if the athlete has been so injured.
• If a licensed healthcare professional is not available, a supervising adult approved by the school district who has appropriate training in evaluating concussions may check the injured athlete.
• Athletes cannot return to competition until cleared by a licensed healthcare professional. Under current UIL guidelines, athletes who suffer concussions can resume competing if they are judged to be symptom-free after 15 minutes of evaluation and testing.
• Any subsequent concussion sustained by an athlete will require further medical evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional, which could include a physical examination.
The proposed changes will be voted on this coming weekend and if put in place, would take effect in the 2011-2012 school year.
