Pa. concussion law protecting student athletes takes effect in July

Gov. Tom Corbett signed a new Pennsylvania law meant to minimize head injuries among student athletes Monday.

The new law requires coaches to pull student-athletes out of an activity if there’s a chance they have suffered a head injury.

It also threatens coaches with suspension if they let students off the bench before first getting medical permission.

“To coaches, the message is, look out for your players. Nobody’s health, nobody’s life, is worth a game of football,” said the governor during the ceremonial signing at Lower Dauphin High School in Hummelstown.

Corbett said he understands student athletes want to get back into the game, even after getting hurt. “The bill is our way of saying, both to the coach, and to the athlete, ‘Hold on, take your time, let’s wait a minute.’ Let’s play hard, but let’s also let’s play safe and let’s play smart,” he said.

The law goes into effect in July–giving coaches time to be trained in identifying head trauma. Penalties for coaches kick in two years after the effective date.