Taking a Hit -- And Staying Safe

The Missouri Legislature is often blamed for doing nothing or little to solve the state's problems.

Headline issues such as health care, education and social services always seem to get the most attention.

This past session, Lake St. Louis representative Chuck Gatschenberger introduced House Bill 300 titled the "Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act."

The bill was passed in both the house and senate and is headed to Governor Jay Nixon’s desk.

This bill will help high school players and coaches deal with the issue of concussions.

Although three coaches I spoke with already take many precautions after an athlete suffers a concussion, this bill closes any holes and now makes it mandatory for any player suffering a concussion or brain injury in practice or a game to wait at least 24 hours before returning.

In addition, before returning, the player must be evaluated by a physician trained in the evaluation of concussions and brain injuries, and that physician must give written clearance to play.

The bill also contains language organizing an educational program for players and parents on concussions and brain injuries. Parents must also sign a concussion information sheet before a player takes part in a practice or game. 

Former Hazelwood East football coach Mike Jones testified in favor of the bill recently when the bill was being discussed in the hearing process. 

"The number one concern for us as coaches is the safety of our athletes," football coach Jim Schottmueller said. "This coming year, we have even spent more on mouth pieces for football players because of what is involved when you suffer a hit and what happens when the teeth and jaw come together."

Most school districts, such as and , employ a full-time certified athletic trainer. This practice has helped throughout the years in preventing concussions.

"We've had a trainer for the past 15-16 years," Schottmueller said. "When we have had a problem, we err on the side of caution. Our trainer checks the players and we call parents and tell them what they have to do."

The education program for parents and players is a plus with the bill.
"Trianing helps," Schottmueller said. "I think the high school athlete is 100 percent safer than 20 years ago. Now, we have certified trainers and one or two doctors on the sideline."

football coach is still learning all the aspects of the new legislation, but safety is a top concern.

"We have got to take care of the kids," Vanatta said. "We monitor our players who might have had a concussion, and we have our trainers working with them. If there is any question, they don't play."

Longtime Trinity soccer coach knows concussions are not limited to football.

"I don't think this (Bill 300) is a bad idea," Drake said. "We don't take any chances with these types of injuries. We've always been pretty proactive. If the players are not cleared by a doctor, they don't play."

While government sometimes is criticized for being too involved, this legislation and education can only help the student athlete, parents and coaches.