New brain injury protection to Oregon student athletes

Athletes in Oregon schools have some new protections against concussive related injuries under a new law that takes effect on January 1st,  This new legislation  requires coaches of school athletic teams to receive annual training to recognize the symptoms of concussion. If an athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, he or she will not be permitted to return to play until all symptoms resolve and are released for play by a health care professional.

Max’s Law, as it is known, was named after high school senior and team quarterback, Max Conradt, who sustained repeated concussions during two consecutive high school football games, resulting in a disabling brain injury.

Legislators in Oregon working in conjunction with the Oregon Brain Injury Association and interested medical personnel deserve much credit of the legislation.  Hopefully more states will look at this groundbreaking legislation and pass similar laws.