Ohio Athletic Trainer\u27s Reactions to New Ohio Concussion Legislation

This research examines the effects that concussion legislation has had on how Certified Athletic Trainers practice medicine in the state of Ohio. In the spring of 2009, the state of Washington passed a bill that would change how concussions are handled in youth sports. According to the legislation, all athletes who display any signs and symptoms of a concussion are to be removed immediately from play and are not able to return to play until cleared by a licensed professional health care provider. Since then, concussion legislation of some form has been passed in every state, with Ohio passing its own law in the spring of 2013. However, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) made a unique amendment to it by giving sporting officials the power to remove an athlete they deem is “concussed” without having to confirm a diagnosis with a licensed professional health care provider such as the Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) who are normally present during sporting competitions. The purpose of this study was to determine how Athletic Trainers who work in high schools in the state of Ohio feel about this law and its various stipulations. A 20-question survey was sent to Athletic Trainers who work in a high school setting in the state of Ohio asking for their opinion and views on various components of law. Of the 302 ATCs who received the survey, 49 (16%) submitted it completed. Results of the survey yielded a mix of positive and negative emotions related to various aspects of the legislation, and though there was some disagreement, responding ATCs agreed with the main purpose of the legislation, which was to raise awareness of concussions and prevent mishandling of cases involving concussed athletes. What it came down to was whether ATCs feel that their knowledge and expertise in recognizing and treating concussions is not being utilized to its fullest potential