RS 40:1089.1: Legislative intent

A. Concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that as many as three million nine hundred thousand sports-related and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. A concussion is caused by a blow or motion to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. The risk for long-term, chronic cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms associated with the development of post-concussion syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, as well as the risk for catastrophic injuries or even death, is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly recognized, evaluated, and managed.

B. Continuing to play with a concussion or symptoms of head injury leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury and even death. The Legislature of Louisiana recognizes that, despite having generally recognized return-to-play standards for concussions and head injury, some affected youth athletes are prematurely returned to play resulting in actual or potential physical injury or death to youth athletes in the state of Louisiana.

C. The Legislature of Louisiana further recognizes that it is in the best interest of the state to create a uniform education, training, and return-to-play protocol to be followed throughout the state.