The barriers keeping schools from following rules to reduce concussions

All U.S. states implemented laws between 2009-2014 to prevent sports-related concussions, but a small new study finds that there are still several barriers to ensuring schools comply. Although the laws vary, they generally require concussion education and prohibiting athletes suspected of concussions from play. Researchers surveyed athletic trainers at 64 high schools from 26 states — most of them public — and found that a failure to properly educate parents, coaches, and athletes using an information sheet, and a lack of time for educational meetings were among the main barriers. Among the reasons why schools didn’t keep students from playing: athletes underreporting their concussion symptoms as well as resistance from coaches and parents to keep kids from playing. The small sample size offers a limited understanding, but points to the need for encouraging concussions to be reported more, the authors write.