It is our position that parents, coaches and student athletes should be aware of the new State of Indiana Head Concussion Law that takes effect July 1. The new law states, “A player suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play at the time of injury and may not return to play until the student athlete has been evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and head injuries. The athlete must receive written clearance to return to play from the health care provider.”

The new law places emphasis on awareness and detection of concussions and prohibits reentry of the athlete to practice and/or game play until they are cleared by a licensed health care professional. The law applies to students in grades 9 to 12 playing both interscholastic and intramural sports. However, the message applies to anyone who suspects they have a concussion.

We applaud the state of Indiana for enacting a strict concussion awareness and management law. After all, a concussion is an injury to the brain, and we all need to understand the seriousness of not managing a brain injury properly.