IL passes law to curb concussions

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - High school athletes who suffer head injuries will have to be cleared by a medical professional before returning to a game or practice under a new law signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Friday.

The new requirement is meant to prevent potentially-fatal compound injuries.

“There’s a phenomenon called second-impact syndrome that can happen,” said Mitch Wasik, an athletic trainer at Indiana State University. “(Players) go out and they get a much (lesser) impact (that) can cause a much greater concussion or damage that can result in death.”

Head injuries are not uncommon among student athletes, and data collected by researchers at Idaho State University indicates 60 percent of high school athletes will experience some kind of concussion while playing.

The new law, which mirrors the rules of the Illinois High School Association, requires that students with head injuries get written permission from a licensed health care provider before returning to play.