NBA Institutes New Concussion Policy
NEW YORK (AP) - The NBA has put in place a concussion policy that will help determine when players return from head injuries.
The league said Monday the protocols went into effect with the start of training camps. The neurologist hired to lead its concussion program will be consulted before any player returns to competition.
Players will undergo baseline testing each year, which can be used later to assist in diagnosing concussions. Players, coaches and team medical personnel will take part in annual training.
Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan, will serve as director of the NBA's concussion program.
The league said in March that it was considering a concussion policy after a spate of players missing games with concussion-like symptoms, including All-Star Chris Paul.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
