Prevention

Statewide Health Initiative on Concussion Education & Prevention
Developed by The Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin
PLAY SMART WI provides information on the signs & symptoms of concussion and how to respond appropriately if a concussion is suspected. This material is intended for:

•Coaches •Parents •Athletes •Volunteer Coaches •Athletic Trainers •Physicians •Youth Leagues •Recreational Leagues •Select Leagues •School Teams •Anyone interested in concussion prevention

Concussion Legislation in Wisconsin

2011 WISCONSIN ACT 172
An act to amend 119.04 (1); and to create 118.293 of the statutes; relating to: concussions and other head injuries sustained in youth athletic activities.
Click here to download the pdf file

UPDATE
A Senate amendment has been made to the Wisconsin concussion legislation.
Please click on the links below to read articles regarding the amendment.

Medical Experts Join to Press for Youth Concussion Law
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/139999293.html

Circulated Amendment Would Weaken Concussion Bill
http://www.channel3000.com/politics/30459438/detail.html

Wisconsin Legislation Wants Guidelines for Concussions
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/preps/concussion07-ei4368k-138825184.html

Assembly Bill 259

Relating to: concussions and other head injuries sustained in youth athletic activities.
By Representatives Fields, Ripp, Hulsey, Drug, Spanbauer, Wynn, Pasch, Endsley, E. Coggs, Berceau, Staskunas, Bernier adn Bernard Schaber; cosponsored by Senators Darling, Lassa and Taylor

Assembly Bill 259 was approved in the State Assembly on a voice vote Friday, November 4, 2011

To view the text of the bill, amendments, and record of proceedings
CLICK HERE

BIAW is co-sponsor of this legislation, along with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and several State Representatives and Senators. Check back frequently for updates on the proposed legislation.

CLICK HERE to view an article in the Journal Sentinel regarding the Public Hearing of Assembly Bill 259

CLICK HERE to view the Wisconsin Radio Network article

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (www.wiaawi.org)

Concussion in Sports Course- The WIAA strongly encourages coaches at all levels to take this free course along with officials, parents and athletes so they have a better understanding of concussion and its effects on young, adolescent brain function.
Click HERE to view the WIAA Concussion Information Page._________________________________________________________________________________________

BIAW would like your help in disseminating the PLAY SMART WI program around the state. If you are interested in promoting concussion education, prevention and awareness in your area, contact the BIAW office at 262-790-9660 or lschultz@biaw.org to request the number of packets to be sent. Helmet decals and coaches clipboard stickers will be mailed out once the signed Coaches Form and the Parent & Athlete Agreement Form is returned to BIAW.

(We are in the process of developing a PLAY SMART WI indicator for non-helmeted sports)

Click HERE to view the PLAY SMART WI Packet__________________________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA

Auto racing safety pioneer discuses new football helmet aimed at concussions-Bill Simpson is bringing his experience with two successful safety companies to the gridiron, helping pro and amateur football playersCLICK HERE

Concussion Laws by State article CLICK HERE

Chicago Tribune article “Doubts Cast On Concussion Remedies” CLICK HERE to view the article.

CDC’s newly released report, “Nonfatal Traumatic Brain Injuries Related to Sports and Recreation Activities Among Persons Ages <19 Years” CLICK HERE