Football B.C. supports concussion guidelines

Football B.C. is welcoming legislation designed to protect athletes from concussions.

Football B.C. is welcoming legislation designed to protect athletes from concussions.

The proposed provincial legislation introduces return-to-play guidelines for sports organizations to follow when youth athletes experience a concussion during play.

“We are very encouraged to see our local political leaders build on the work that many sports organizations, including us at Football B.C., have already done in making concussion education and player safety a priority,” said Football B.C. Executive Director Patrick Waslen. “We are fully in support of the bill introduced today and our organization would like to publicly offer our support in any way possible to assisting our fellow provincial sport organizations and leagues in implementing these guidelines.

In June 2010, Football BC adopted a concussion policy for all its member associations requiring all coaches participate in a yearly education program prior to the season and ensure the following requirements are fulfilled during the season.

• For more information on Football BC’s concussion policy, please visit www.playfootball.bc.ca/concussion_resources.html.

Maple Ridge News