WY Legislature To Discuss Concussion Bill

It's not often that Wyoming sports are the topic of discussion within the Wyoming Legislature, but now might not be a bad time, before other athletes end up in a world of pain and/or forgetfulness!

One of the many bills to be discussed by the 2011 Wyoming Legislature, is Senate File 38 (aka the Concussion Bill). If passed, a student-athlete who suffers a concussion/head injury, will be unable to participate in a sporting event until the day after the injury AND he/she exhibits no signs/symptoms/behavior related to a concussion/head injury AND receives a medical release, from a licensed health care professional.

It would also require School Districts to provide a form explaining concussion/head injury information, that must be signed by the student-athlete AND by his/her parent/guardian, before he/she can participate in a sport. School Districts must also work with the State Department of Education, to provide training and education material to coaches and trainers, related to concussions/head injuries.

The bill is for all junior and senior high school athletic events, sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association, which also includes cheerleading. Legion Baseball and High School Rodeo are exempt for now, because those events are not affiliated with the WHSAA.

Senator Bill Landen (R-Casper), Senator Charles Scott (R-Natrona County), and Senator Henry Coe (R- Park County) along with Representative Gerald Gay (R-Natrona County), Representative Elaine Harvey (R-Big Horn/Park County) and Representative Dave Bonner (R-Park County), are the sponsors of the bill. The 2011 Wyoming General Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 11th, and run through early March.