NFHS Rules Changes

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by jaybird

"Unconscious or apparently unconscious" was direct and more easily identifiable and the requirement to return was more restrictive. Now, we must be capable of diagnosing the symptoms while the clearance to return has been "watered down" from a written authorization by a medical doctor to a clearance by "an appropriate health care professional", whatever that means.

The specific wordage of the final rule is certainly critical, but the announcement relates to the same type general observations currently included in NF: 3-5-10, with special attention paid to obvious symptomes of a possible concussion. There are no "diagnosis requirements" included in this revision, at least as currently presented.

I presume most officials have, for years, considered a player that was visibly dizzy, incoherent, unable to balance himself or was complaining of headache as removeable or other observations pertaining to a possible concussion, cause for removing a player under provisions of 3-5-10-a. At times, some Coaches have questioned such decisions, but to absolutely no avail as the matter is totally beyond their control or authority.

This revision clearly places the responsibility of having an "appropriate health care professional" squarely on the team, not on the officials, to determine if, and when, a player is fit to re-enter the contest.

This revision simply calls attention to the reality that we are participants in a competitive, school-sponsored physical activity exercise and not a matter of such importance that would justify risking potential long term health threats to the student athlete participants.

It deems significance of a players impact on potential score, potential outcome of the contest, potential record breaking or scholarship offers are simply not of equal concern to potential long term health risk.