Tenn. high schools have new concussion policy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – High school football players and other student athletes will have to abide by a strict new policy approved Wednesday by the state's athletic association.

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association's board unanimously approved the new policy regarding concussions during a conference call. The policy takes effect this upcoming school year.

Under the new regulations, any high school athlete who suffers a concussion or shows any signs of a possible concussion must be removed from the game or match and examined by a doctor.

The idea is to keep players safe and prevent permanent brain damage from head injuries.

Coaches like Matt Williams say keeping their players safe is their first priority.

"We're all competitive and want to win, but when you're dealing with possible brain injury, that's something you have to take seriously," said Williams, who coaches football at Smyrna High School.

He continued, "You see the NFL taking serious steps, trickled down through college ranks, finding its way to TSSAA, I applaud their efforts. It's something you [have to] take seriously."

Symptoms of a concussion include loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion and balance problems.

After an injured athlete goes back into a game or practice, a doctor must fill out a new TSSAA concussion return to play form.

The school is responsible for keeping a copy of that form on file.

Officials and coaches also are being asked to take a 20-minute online course developed by the National Federation of State High School Associations titled "Concussion in Sport - What You Need to Know."

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