Rep. Morgan Irwin introduces legislation to create a centralized reporting system relating to concussion rates in high school sports
Irwin: “Let's do right by our kids and the sports they compete in.”
Rep. Morgan Irwin has introduced legislation to create a centralized reporting system through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for data relating to concussion rates in high school sports.
House Bill 2731 seeks for schools to report information about each head injury sustained in grades 9-12 during activities overseen by the WIAA. This would allow them to create a centralized report to include data on concussion rates, patterns, trends, and other relevant information.
“This bill isn't about trying to limit the number of sports available to students,” said Irwin, R-Enumclaw. “This is about ensuring everything is being rightfully done to keep students safe, and to potentially prevent head-related injuries in the future.”
Irwin says the reality is concussions are a growing problem within high school sports in our state, and across the country; thus proving the need for a better reporting system.
“Having adequate data is important so we can better track any trends that need to be addressed,” continued Irwin. “The results matter to everyone involved including the athletes, their parents, coaches, and medical training staff. My hope is that researchers can analyze these reports to minimize future injuries using real data. Let's do right by our kids and the sports they compete in.”
House Bill 2731 has been referred to the House Education Committee where it will receive a public hearing on Jan. 27.
The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 12.
