Concussion Training Mandatory for Youth Sports Coaches in Erie County

"The Erie County Legislature acted on behalf of children and their parents last week in voting to require concussion safety training by coaches in local youth sports leagues. Given what Americans have learned about the terrible consequences of repeated concussions in adults, it was incumbent to ensure that children are protected."


"Young athletes may not suffer the kind of physical punishment that professionals do, but post-concussive syndrome can affect anyone who suffers one of these brain injuries, sometimes lingering for months. What is more, if the concussion goes undiagnosed, a student athlete may be at higher risk to suffer an additional concussion.

Against those kinds of risks, county legislators were smart to insist upon this training. It’s not costly. Coaches can either take a free concussion safety program offered by the Erie County Health Department or online through the Centers for Disease Control’s HEADS UP to Youth Sports.

It’s also not unreasonable. It doesn’t seem too much to ask that youth league coaches get some basic training in helping their young athletes avoid the hell that men like Talley are suffering."

from The Buffalo News