A new bill sits on Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's desk that would force student athletes suspected of having a head injury to the sidelines until cleared to play by a medical professional.
The bill has passed in both the house and senate and awaits the governor's approval. In addition to medical clearance, the new measure would require school systems to develop policies and procedures regarding the identification and handling of suspected concussions in student-athletes. The legislation also includes a provision that would require schools to educate athletes on the dangers of concussions.
John Battle High School Head Coach, Ryan Witten, said its always a tough decision to hold a player out of a game especially when the athlete wants to continue playing. Witten said safety is always a top priority on the football field and should the new measure become law a great deal of pressure to get it right would fall on doctors.
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