New Youth Concussion Guidelines Released This Week

According to new guidelines, athletes with concussions should not return to play the same day.

Dealing with concussions was the main topic Monday at the fifth annual Youth Sports Safety Summit. The gathering brings together nearly 140 organizations committed to keeping young athletes safe. On Tuesday, members meet with legislators on Capitol Hill.

The new guidelines were released Monday by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

Concussion rates among high school athletes have steadily climbed the last 11 years. Dawn Comstock of the University of Colorado, however, notes that concussion rates have declined in wrestling and boys’ soccer while other sports show a leveling off.

Comstock says the “epidemic curves” are beginning “to peak just a little bit. We’ve got to figure out why.”