REFS MAKE THE CALL
Under Ohio’s new concussion law, referees are charged with removing a player who exhibits signs and symptoms of concussion. Ohio’s law is the rare concussion law to name referees in this task.
Once a player is removed on suspicion of concussion, the athlete cannot return to play that same day even if medical personnel believe the player has not suffered a concussion.
“If we get down to the nitty gritty of the game and some stud player gets hurt and you direct them out, you’re going to take some abuse,” said Carl Davidson, who is beginning his 29th season as a football referee.
Lawmakers felt including referees in removing a player would add an extra layer of protection, as they are right there with some of the best vantage points to see a hard hit or symptoms of a concussion.
Friday Night Ohio