In California, Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward introduced legislation AB533 on February 25th. This bill would require that coaches receive training to handle and seek immediate medical attention for student athletes that sustain head injuries, suffer heat strokes or develop asthma attacks. This piece of legislation was drafted in response to the trend in morbidity and mortality in students that suffer such types of health problems during sporting activities. The New York Times has featured an article about 51 deaths and critically injured U.S. high school football players between the years 1997 to 2007. These deaths are preventable if managed properly. Some sources estimate that student football players suffer 250,000 concussions annually. It is known that multiple concussions can adversely impact the health of a young person and even shorten their life span. Presently 13 states require coaches to complete this type of safety training. The federal government is considering a similar legislation. If Hayashi’s bill is signed into law, it could take effect at the end of 2010.
