Carpino Targets Concussions to Student-Athletes

Due to the increased awareness of concussions nationwide, especially for Connecticut student-athletes, State Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) co-sponsored a bill that would require greater parental notification of head injuries that could affect their children.

The bill would require the coach or school authority to provide written notice explaining concussions and head injuries to parents and legal guardians of student athletes involved in intramural or interscholastic athletic activities.  In addition, a parent or legal guardian must provide a signature attesting to the fact that they have received a copy of the statement and authorize the student athlete to participate in athletic activity. The student athlete will not be able to participate in the activity without the signed consent form.

“Anything the legislature can do to encourage the education of parents, coaches, teachers and students athletes about the dangers of getting a concussion is good public policy. Sometimes we need to protect our children from themselves so having parents informed about such injuries adds another layer of protection,” said Carpino, who represents the 32nd District serving Portland, Cromwell and Middletown.

In written testimony Deb Shulansky, Director, Brain Injury Alliance of CT wrote, “We support the bill because it will raise awareness among parents and legal guardians and increase the likelihood of prevention.”

According to doctors, recovery time from a concussion depends on the severity. Athletes can be ready to go in as little as a week with mild cases. However more severe head injuries can result in symptoms persisting for months. Athletes who return to play before their brains heal, experience a slower recovery and are at risk for significant long-term brain impairments. Returning to play before a concussed brain has healed can sometimes cause Second Impact Syndrome, which is characterized by brain swelling, permanent brain damage and even death.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year.