Two state senators have introduced measures aimed at protecting young athletes from brain injuries.
The measure sponsored by Democrat Bill Soules of Las Cruces would require special training for student athletes. Schools also would have to provide brain injury information, to be signed by parents and students before participating in sports.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez wants to extend existing brain injury protocols to youths who participate in non-scholastic athletic activities. That would include requiring coaches to receive proper training should an athlete suffer a concussion.
Young athletes who exhibit symptoms of brain injuries would also be prohibited from participating in sports without a medical release.
The lawmakers cited statistics from the National Academies of Science, which reported 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports and recreation head injuries occur every year in the US.
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