CHRIS STITES, SAFETY ENGINEER, LOSS CONTROL SPECIALIST, SAFETY ENGINEERING & CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
JASON BAGGETT, LOSS CONTROL SPECIALIST, TENNESSEE RISK MANAGEMENT TRUST
No doubt about it, sports are a great way for kids to stay healthy while learning important team-building skills. What are the risks of pushing the limits of speed, strength and endurance? Children, parents and without a doubt physical education teachers & team sport coaches, must be aware of signs and symptoms of concussion.
There were 120 sports-related deaths of young athletes in 2008-2009; 50 in 2010; and 40 in 2011.
There are three times as many catastrophic football injuries among high school athletes as college athletes.
62% of organized sports-related injuries occur during practices.
CONCUSSION
50% of “second impact syndrome” incidents – brain injury caused from a premature return to activity after suffering initial injury (concussion) – result in death.
Female high school basketball players suffer 240% more concussions than males (13,000).
400,000 brain injuries (concussions) occurred in high school athletics during the 2008-09 school year.
Emergency department visits for concussions sustained during organized team sports doubled among 8-13 year olds between 1997 and 2007 and nearly tripled among older youth.
More than 248,000 children visited hospital emergency departments in 2009 for concussions and other traumatic brain injuries related to sports and recreation.
Injuries associated with participation in sports and recreational activities account for 21% of all traumatic brain injuries among children in the United States
Tennessee law makers heard the cry in April of 2013. Tennessee passed a sports concussion law designed to reduce youth sports concussions and increase awareness of traumatic brain injury. Public Chapter 148, has three key components:
To inform and educate coaches, youth athletes and their parents and require them to sign a concussion information form before competing.
To require removal of a youth athlete who appears to have suffered a concussion from play or practice at the time of the suspected concussion.
To require a youth athlete to be cleared by a licensed health care professional before returning to play or practice.
Both public and private school sports and recreational leagues for children under age 18 that require a fee are affected by the new law. The law covers all sports.
One such way we can ensure proper education is being conducted is to annually require a re-certification of coaches as well as anyone who is involved in instruction of physical activities. The CDC offers a free online training course which provides proof of completion. We highly recommend all our entities ensure adherence to not just the law but the safety of our kids.
Training Resources:
CDC – Heads Up Online Training Course – Concussion
ConcussionWise Online Training
Below you will find links for the required forms, trainings and guidelines that will equip coaches, parents and athletes to recognize and respond to sports related concussion.
Sample Policy
Coach Signature Form
Parent Athlete Signature Form
Concussion Checklist
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call your Loss Control representative:
East TN:
Jason Baggett – (865) 850-4995
Middle TN
Chris Stites – (615) 289-4101
West TN
Mark Bilyeu – (615) 210-7827