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A bill passed Monday in the House would require high school football coaches to pay to take a concussion education course that some say is currently offered for free online.
Senate Bill 222, authored by Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, would also mandate a 24-hour waiting period before a player with a concussion can return to the field.
Coaches would be required to take the $25 concussion education course offered by USA Football – an Indianapolis based company – every two years.
That course is offered online – and completely free – from the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Rep. Lloyd Arnold, R-Huntingburg, said SB 222 expands upon legislation passed in 2011. That law provided for the education of parents under the phrase, “when in doubt, sit them out.”
Arnold said the USA Football program will serve to educate coaches on proper technique, equipment fit and aspects of player safety.
Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, questioned why the bill is only limited to football, and that he would support the education of coaches in a variety of sports.
Arnold said that football is currently the only sport with accredited concussion education programs in place, but that he is in favor of “anything that keeps our kids safe.”
John Sittler is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
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