High Schools Already Implementing State's New Concussion Law

It's the first Friday night of high school football that requires coaches to more closely monitor possible concussions; the new law took effect Tuesday.

The head athletic trainer at Jenks High School said their game is "business as usual" because the school has been practicing the new law since it passed this summer.

A physician is on the sidelines at Jenks football games, and Head Athletic Trainer Michael Catterson said he and others assessing students who might have concussions are strict.

"They have to pass every single test with flying colors, with absolutely no doubt left in our mind. If there's the slightest doubt, we're probably gonna hold them out," Catterson said.

He said it's not always simple because some athletes might not have symptoms right away; but, he said the new law raises awareness for students, parents and coaches.

Catterson said, "Before, it might have been, 'Hey, just walk it off, you'll be fine.’"

The law says if a team official suspects an athlete has a concussion they must take them out of the game, or practice, and can only go back in if cleared by a health care provider.

Read The Law Here

Catterson said now they're implementing "Return to Learn" guidelines for students who have suffered concussions.

"Each ‘Return to Learn’ program is a little bit different,” he said. “Usually, what we do is if a student athlete is symptomatic after a concussion we recommend them not to come to school the day afterwards."

Neurosurgeon Eric Sherburn, who has seen eight concussion patients this week, argues the law could be stronger when it comes to the "health care provider" who determines if an athlete can keep playing.

"I think it should be a physician who has expertise in the treatment of concussion," Sherburn said.

But, for now, he said he's just glad people are talking about it.

"That's what we really need is more education and understanding," said Sherburn.

Part of the law addresses education, saying game officials need to go through concussion training every year and the State Department of Health must provide guidelines for schools on its website.