NY will require football programs to provide information about concussions to parents
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.2958A/A.6968) requiring tackle football programs to provide the parents or guardians of all participating children with informational packets regarding concussions and sub-concussive blows, and the injuries that may result from receiving such blows.
“The medical research on the long-term effects of concussions and sub-concussive hits continues to evolve and it is essential that we provide the parents of young athletes with the latest up-to-date information,” Governor Cuomo said. “Parents should have the facts when it comes to the wellbeing of their children and access to this information will help with decision-making and encourage best practices on the field.”
The programs affected by this new law include any practice, game or other activity in which children participate in tackle football and which is organized by a school, league, or other adult-run organization. The required informational packets on concussions and sub-concussive blows must be available free of charge on the organization’s website.
Senator Liz Krueger said, “The impacts of a concussion on a child’s developing brain can be devastating. That’s why it’s so important that parents and guardians have complete and accurate information about the risks of traumatic brain injury involved in tackle football. I thank the Governor for signing this legislation and helping to protect one of New York’s most important resources – our kids.”
Assembly Member Michael Benedetto said, “I thank Governor Cuomo for seeing the wisdom of this legislation. Each year we have learned more and more about the hazards to the brain caused by multiple blows to the head. It is imperative that families realize the danger to their children when playing high-contact sports. This legislation is an attempt to inform and warn parents so that they can make an intelligent decision for the benefit of their children.”
