Therapy Center’s Sport Medicine team is proud to be a part of a working group with LHSAA that met in October. This group is seeking to develop the proper networks to provide care for youth athletes in high schools across Louisiana. Currently, one vital topic under discussion is proper management of concussion prevention and care.
Therapy Center – Playing a Key Role in Concussion Care and Prevention
“It is important not only to manage concussions, but also to make sure everyone involved are properly communicated with and all individuals are on the same page in regards to the safety and well-being of the student athletes,” stated Jake Duhon, Therapy Center Director of Sports Medicine and Jennings Clinic Manager.
Therapy Center’s Sports Medicine Program is certified for concussion baseline testing in all collision sports and has been used in recent discussions with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association as a model for schools in preventing injury and treating youth athletes.
About Concussions Relevant Laws
In 2011, the Louisiana Youth Concussion Act was signed into law. The Department of Health and Hospitals is excited about the Louisiana Youth Concussion Act (ACT 314), which is aimed at helping coaches, parents, and athletes reduce the risk of sports-related concussion and head injury and creates a uniform education, training and return-to-play protocol for concussions in youth athletes, 7 through 18 years of age.
This Act is composed of three major components:
- All coaches, officials, youth athletes, parents, and volunteers are informed and provided pertinent information about the risk of concussion.
- Relevant staff and coaches are required to complete annual concussion recognition courses.
- As a condition of participation in any athletic activities, the parent or legal guardian of the youth athlete must sign a concussion and head injury information sheet that provides the requirements for injured players to return to play.
The facts stated by the US Department of Health and Human Services and Centers For Disease Control and Prevention about concussions include:
- A concussion is a brain injury
- All concussion are serious
- Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness
- Concussions can occur in any sport
- Recognition and proper management of concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.
The Future Is Bright For Louisiana Youth Sports
Understanding the implications of concussion or traumatic brain injury, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and its partners are teaming up to ensure all youth athletes have access to proper care and evaluation when it comes to injuries at all levels. Therapy Center, along with coaches, superintendents, and physicians are excited about working together to develop proper protocols, policies, and procedures that will ensure our youth are cared for with the necessary skill and attention needed with treating serious injuries such as concussion.
Learn more about the services provided by Therapy Center Sports Medicine Team.
Learn more about the HEADS UP program.
Learn More about LHSSA.
