New Return To Play Law Aims To Keep Iowa Football Players Safe

By Jill Kasparie, Reporter

Tools

By Eric Stidman

Story Created: Aug 25, 2011 at 6:10 AM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2011 at 8:46 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - It's back to school for many Eastern Iowa students, and with that comes the start of high school football season.

This season, a new law takes effect for athletes who suffer concussions. The legislation went into effect in July.

It says a student athlete suspected of having a concussion has to leave the game and cannot return until cleared by a medical professional.

Parents, sports officials and students are also required to have some basic understanding about the signs and symptoms of concussions.

The Brain Injury Association hopes the law will cut down on the number of long-term effects caused by head injuries during the teen years.

The law also covers other extra-curricular activities like dance and cheerleading for 7th through 12th grades.