A state lawmaker says Tennessee needs to do a better job of protecting children who have suffered a sports-related concussion. Senator Jim Tracy says his bill would require coaches, parents, players and league administrators to receive concussion-oriented education. The measure would also require coaches and administrators to complete concussion recognition and head injury safety courses. Players suffering a concussion would not be allowed to return for play until cleared by a doctor.
Tracy’s bill applies to all public and private sports activities.
Tennessee is one of seven states that do not regulate sports concussion problems. Treatment for sports-related concussions in Tennessee jumped by 74 percent from 2007 to 2010.