The University Interscholastic League approved new concussion guidelines for student athletes to make sure they are protected during practice and games.
Currently, high school athletes who suffer a head injury, but who are symptom-free after 15 minutes, can return to competition. However, under the new rules the athlete will be barred for one entire day. A licensed medical professional must also evaluate the athlete.
The guidelines will take effect next August after the TEA’s final approval. The rules also get rid of the practice of grading a concussion on its severity.
“Under the guidelines now, if a student is suffering from a concussion or symptoms they are removed from play for the remainder of the day and can't return to play until cleared by a licensed health care professional,” said UIL Policy Director Mark Cousins.
Concussions are common for high school athletes, especially in certain sports including football, soccer, and basketball.
Athletes at all levels including high school, college, and professional players, suffer a total of one million concussions a year.
"We are very blessed for coaches and training staff to look after us. If you have a concussion, they are not going to let you play the next week at all. Here in the state of Texas they are more protective of that and take care of us," said Hutto football player Jabari Prewitt.
Concussion symptoms include nausea, blurred vision, and headaches.
Doctor Dan Peterson with the Seton Brain and Spine Institute says head injuries can be deadly for student athletes, and he supports the UIL action.
“It's best to err on the side of safety because a lot of times symptoms from concussions don't come on immediately or after 15 minutes. Sometimes its several hours later,” said Dr. Peterson.
