New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law legislation that requires all tackle football programs to provide information regarding concussion risks to parents and guardians of kids who play the sport.
TV station WHAM reports that the program, overseen by the state Department of Health, will distribute packets containing information on concussions, sub-concussive hits and other injuries, and applies to all tackle football programs: from recreational leagues to school programs or any adult-organized programs. The department will create the information packets, and make the information available online, as well.
“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,” Cuomo said.
Rush-Henrietta Central School District athletic director Tom Stewart told WHAM that safety is always a priority, especially as concerns regarding concussions continue to grow.
“We have a lot of information that we provide to parents. We have it on our website,” Stewart said, adding that he hopes the information packets don’t scare parents away from football.
“It’s pretty clear to us and all students that it can happen at any time and any sport,” Stewart said. “It’s not just football.”
The law goes into effect in December, 90 days after it was signed.
