Vermont has joined the growing group of states that are weighing laws regarding student athletes returning to play after sustaining a concussion, according to the Rutland Herald.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100301/NEWS03/100229936/1004/NEWS03
The bill pending in Vermont was proposed by a lawmaker who is also a physician, Rep. George Till of Jericho, Vt. Till is particularly concerned about so-called “second-impact syndrome,” where a second head injury leads to permanent brain damage. His bill would bar athletes from coming back to the field any sooner than one day after any symptoms they have go away.
Till’s bill, which is aimed at sports and athletes in Vermont public schools, mandates that players who sustain a concussion would need to get a doctor’s note before returning to sports. Coaches would also have to take new medical training.
The bill has its opponents, including physicians and trainers who argue that the law shouldn’t be used to prescribe medical care. That objection is just ridiculous. Banning an early return is not practicing medicine. It is just making sure.
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