Last season NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell implemented several rule changes to limit the number of concussions that players might incur while engaging in perhaps the most brutal sport outside of hockey and boxing. Primarily league officials were responding to the increasing cases of early dementia and depressive or suicidal thoughts.

In light of the new NFL rules, several states have enforced youth sports concussion laws. While each law is somewhat different from state-to-state, they all feature three key components:
 

1. Removal from play if an athlete is suspected of having suffered a concussion;
2. Referral to a medical professional trained in the diagnosis and management of concussion;
3. Require an athlete to obtain a written medical authorization before that athlete can return to physical activity (http://www.sportsconcussions.org/ibaseline/state-laws/statelaws).
 

Furthermore, Louisiana (one of nine states to enact a youth concussion law), requires players that suffer concussions to be prohibited from participating in any sports-related activities until they are medically cleared.

According to Shreveport neurosurgeon Dr. Anil Nanda, football coaches should treat concussions with the same regard that they treat broken bone injuries. "The new mantra for concussions should be, 'When in doubt, keep them out,” he said.
 

While youth sports can promote values of teamwork, a strong work ethic, and self-confidence, they can also foster a competitive nature in kids that can result in devastating injuries. That’s why parents should be proactive in keeping kids off the field that have sustained concussions. To learn more about youth sports concussion laws, visit http://www.sportsconcussions.org/ibaseline/.