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New Mexico Takes Steps to Build Awareness Around Concussions in Youth Athletes

By Julie Tolar, Parentology, 09/03/19, 2:15PM PDT

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While there has been a great surge in awareness around concussions and concussion protocol, many states are working to provide more comprehensive education to coaches, parents and youth athletes.

Concussions and brain safety have become an issue of concern not only for professional athletes, but for kids participating in youth sports. “1.1 million to 1.9 million recreational concussions and sports-related concussions occur annually in the United States in children 18 years of age or younger,” according to a 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics report.

Between 2009-2015 all fifty states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to address traumatic brain injury. The majority of states have enacted legislation targeting youth sports-related concussions. While there has been a great surge in awareness around concussions and concussion protocol, many states are working to provide more comprehensive education to coaches, parents and youth athletes. New Mexico is one of them.

State health officials in New Mexico are proposing additional steps to ensure a greater awareness around concussions and brain injuries as it pertains to youth sports. The latest proposition would require coaches, parents and athletes (age 11 and older) to participate in a mandatory one-hour training session annually. This proposition moves to educate children participating in youth sports so they become more attuned to recognizing the possible symptoms of concussion.