Concussions have been an ongoing concern for many years now, but after House Bill 2038 was passed in Texas in May 2011, new light has been shed on this topic. Both the school and the state are now upping the focus on the dangers and the importance of teenage safety. Through lack of knowledge and disregards of regulations, some people still do not take this problem as seriously as they should be.
Concussions aren’t something that can easily be treated. The athlete has to go through many steps before he or she is healed. This is why the new law requires that the governing body of each school district in Texas must appoint or approve a concussion oversight team to help the student. Trained doctors can tell students, parents and teachers exactly how long that athlete needs to rest before they can participate regularly in school again.
Many schools recommend students take Pre-AP and AP classes because it will look better on their college transcripts. However, these classes can be hard and stressful, and athletes who get a concussion can’t jump back into overwhelming classes and schoolwork after weeks or months of missing school for rest. Instead they should slowly pace themselves until they are caught back up, even if it takes a month or two to do.
Students need to make sure to prioritize their own health, because parents, teachers and coaches might not realize how complicated concussions can be. The athletes also need to ensure that they are healthy enough to advocate for themselves after the concussion before picking the work back up again, and if they don’t feel mentally or physically prepared, they should speak with their doctor or trainer.
Concussions are a major injury that needs special treatment. If any signs of concussions occur, the safest and fastest way to help the athlete would be to see a professional doctor. No one is sure what a concussion is like until they experience one, so teachers and parents shouldn’t try to tell the student how they should feel or how long they should take to heal because it could be detrimental without the help of a doctor. If an athlete does have a confirmed concussion, the coaches aren’t supposed to allow the student to play for a few games, even though they don’t want their player missing a playoff game or practice. If the athlete does continue, they could potentially injure themselves, and their brain. In the end potentially permanent brain damage wouldn’t be worth it.
Concussions have been better regulated over the past few years because of more awareness. Despite this, there have still been deaths and major brain damage across the country from concussions in high school, college and professional level sports. People still need to learn when the right time is for the player to return to the sport, or even if they will ever be able to return. Their lives are worth more than the entertainment.
