Senate committee hears bills on concussions in youth athletes

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3/ 2/2011: Newspaper Story - A head injury educational requirement for coaches is being considered by a House committee.

2/ 9/2010: Radio Story - A House committee heard why student athletes who suffer concussions should be kept off the field at least briefly

12/14/2010: Radio Story - Concussions can cause permanent injuries, but Missouri high schools are trying to be proactive in protecting their student athletes.

3/ 2/2011: Newspaper Story - A head injury educational requirement for coaches is being considered by a House committee.

Intro:	A Senate committee will vote later in the week on concussion-legislation.
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Wrap: The legislation works closely with the Missouri State High School Activities Association guidelines.

The bills require athletes get a physicians OK and wait at least 24 hours before returning to play.

Northeast Missouri Republica Zachary Wyatt sponsored some of the legislation.

He says there is a growing problem with youth brain injuries during sports and it needs to be addressed.

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Description: "Missouri needs to step forward and get something accomplished at least this session because if we don't we'll be one of the few states with nothing to prevent this injury from happening."

Opponents say this bill would open schools up for possible lawsuits.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Emily Kissee.

Intro:	A Missouri Senate committee dives head-first into concussion-legislation.
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Wrap: The bills protect athletes by creating a waiting time after suffering a head injury and requiring a physician to approve the athlete's return to play.

St Louis County's Democratic Senator Chappelle-Nadal says she thinks individual school districts should determine the rules for athletes and the legislation opens up schools to lawsuits.

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Description: "As a schoolboard member in my other capacity I see potential for liability to go back to the school district and I am not too sure if we want our insurance rates to go continuously up."

On the other hand, a former St. Louis Rams linebacker says the bill offers more protection for athletes suffering from head injuries.

A committee vote may on it as soon as Wednesday.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Emily Kissee.

Intro:	The man who saved Super Bowl 34 for the St. Louis Rams urged Missouri lawmakers Tuesday to protect young football players from concussions.
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Wrap:Former linebacker Mike Jones says legislation that requires players to get a doctor's OK before returning to action is a good thing.

He says many athletes come back before they're ready.

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Description: "A lot of times young people are out there, they might have an injury and they might want to go back out there or their parents may not understand the significance of their injuries. We need this bill right here to help them support what they are doing and and understand exactly what's out there."

Jones was one of dozens to testify on the bill.

Opponents have concerns about enforcement and liability issues.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Emily Kissee.