East Bay Legislator Pushes For Concussion Safety Bill
CASTRO VALLEY (KCBS) – Hayward Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi is pushing for passage of legislation which would set guidelines for when student athletes can return to the field of play after suffering a concussion.
Hayashi's Assembly Bill 25, which is co-sponsored by the National Football League, has gained the support of several football players, including former members of both the 49ers and Raiders.
She said the bill is important for the health and well-being of student athletes across the state.
"They must get a health care evaluation and get a written clearance from a health care provider in order to return to play," Hayashi said.
KCBS' Bob Butler Reports:
Former San Francisco 49ers lineman Guy McIntyre said he knows a lot about concussions.
"I can remember an incident in college where one of our guys got hit and he actually thought that he was Batman," he said.
Eden Medical Center Neurosurgeon Dr. Larry Dickinson said the legislation is badly needed.
"A recent study published in 2004 showed that about 41 percent of concussed athletes are getting back onto the field before all symptoms have resolved," said Dickinson. "And we just said that's a dangerous situation."
AB 25 goes before the State Education Committee later this month. She said she hopes to get it signed by the governor in time for the next high school football season.
(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
