LANSING----A downstate lawmaker is trying to raise awareness of the dangers of kids getting concussions in sporting events, and then going back into the game.
State representative Tom Hooker (R-Byron Center) says his legislation could help to save a kid's life. he says that the days of telling a kid "boy, you got your bell rung, get back in the game" are over. There's a growing awareness of the dangers of sports concussions amongst Michigan sports coaches, and Hooker says that his law would require that all coaches get trained on concussion safety.
"The bill actually gives responsibility to to schools, and youth sports activities, to ensure that the coach knows the warning signs of a concussion," Hooker said. "And to make sure that their athletes that are injured are not allowed to go back into competitoion."
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has already run an awareness campaign, and has implemented protocols for high school coaches to check an injured kid to make sure he doesn't have symptoms of a concussion.
Hooker wants his legislation to be in place so that all youth organizations do the same across Michigan.
"As a coach, I don't want to limit athletics," Hooker said. "But at the same time, I certainly want to protect the young people who are involved in those athletics."
