Letter to the Editor on Concussions in Athletes

Letter to the Editor on Concussions in Athletes

Mr. Smith

DeVry University

Letter to the Editor on Concussions in Athletes

I’m writing in response to Jeremy Olson’s article 3,000 concussions last year take toll on prep sports in Minnesota featured in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, MN. It is an informative and realistic look at a health risk the public needs to be aware of. From my perspective as a father of a football player, I feel very strongly about the implementation rules and guidelines to protect young athletes. Minnesota is one of the few states to conduct a comprehensive study into the cause and effects of concussions to young athletes. This actions needs to be repeated throughout the country with each state enacting guidelines for schools and health professionals to follow treat and prevent athletes concussions.

First, the education of concussions needs to be established. Coaches and parents need to be able to recognize the symptoms so that the student can be properly treated to prevent further injury. Coaches should be required to be able to recognize and know the symptoms of a concussion. They are the first ones to see these symptoms and have the immediate power to pull the player out of the game. But if the coaches are not trained properly to signs of a concussion they will not be able to make the right decision.

As a concerned parent of a young athlete, I feel it’s imperative to have this training mandated. I have taken action in my son’s high school to start an awareness program about the dangers of traumatic brain injuries. The program is planned for the coaches, parents, and athletes to attend a class instructed by a health professional and provided by the school. All parties will be required to sign a Parent & Athlete contract pledging to look for and report any signs of traumatic brain injuries.

Secondly, having better equipment like smart helmets should be required by law for all minors to play full contact sports....