Boston City Council Approves College Sports Safety Rules

The Boston City Council has passed an ordinance meant to protect college athletes.

The “College Athlete Head Injury Gameday Safety Protocol” outlines health and safety requirements college teams must follow when players suffer head, neck, and spine injuries. The ordinance applies to any NCAA-sanctioned events in Boston.

Among other things, it would ban players from re-entering games when they lose consciousness, suffer a concussion, or are suspected to have a concussion. Additionally, Division I football, ice hockey, and men’s lacrosse games would also need an on-site “neurotrauma consultant.”

The ordinance, which was proposed by Councilor Josh Zakim, now heads to Mayor Martin Walsh for approval. If it becomes law, it would bring local college sports in line with local high schools and professional leagues that already have similar policies in place.