Ohio High School Athletic Association Adopts New TBI Rules

The OHSAA adopted new rules regarding the treatment of Traumatic brain injuries in high school athletes of all sports in its May 13th meeting of the board of directors. The rules appear to have been adopted as expected by the Ohio Athletic Trainers' Association, but the full wording of the precise rule has yet to be published on the website's meeting minutes. The above link gives nothing more than a synopsis of these meetings.

Big Ten adopts a waiver for Traumatic Brain Injuries

The Big Ten Conference has adopted a waiver after an educational program for all its athletes. I wonder if this idea could be applicable to the high school athletes and their parents as well.

New High School Concussion Rule

So I understand from our state convention that the new rule applies to every high school sport, not just football. I am very glad to hear that. Furthermore, it looks like the rule in Ohio will state that only AT and MD/DO (with experience with traumatic brain injuries) will be able to make a return to play decision. This is another big step in the right direction. I see a few issues cropping up and each school system will need to have a policy in place when an MD/DO other than the team physician gives a student-athlete a clearance to play that the team physician does not agree with. Needless to say, that will be sticky. Other than that, there will need to be a significiant amount of parent, coach, school administrator, and student-athlete education regarding the new rule. I applaud the OHSAA for their efforts and willingness to work with other groups to define the rule for Ohio.