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A House committee has sidetracked a proposal to require licensed athletic trainers at junior high and high school football games.
Supporters of Alexandria Democrat Chris Roy's bill say it would prevent injuries and deaths of teenage players. Some committee members objected, saying it would impose an unfunded mandate on local school districts, many of which already struggle to pay for teachers.
The bill would require school officials to pull players from practice or competition if they suffer injuries classified as serious. Licensed athletic trainers would examine players and make the call on when they can safely resume playing.
The bill would originally have required trainers at all ages of competitive football games, but the committee amended the bill to exclude elementary and middle schools.
The House Committee on Health and Welfare on Wednesday sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee, rather than to the floor for debate.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says that having athletic trainers on the field to provide advice can significantly help prevent traumatic brain injury. Thirty-three other states have introduced bills aimed at sports-related concussions.
"In the last several weeks we've had NFL players who died of concussion syndromes," said Roy. "All of this starts way sooner than when they get in the NFL."
He told the committee Wednesday that some schools in Louisiana are already using trainers to recognize injuries and make sure players at serious risk aren't sent back onto the field.
But Rep. Rogers Pope, R-Denham Springs, said he worries the bill would create an unfunded mandate for schools.
"I think we all want to do what's best for athletes and for kids in general. I also live in another world and that's the world of economics," said Pope. Legislative budget advisers have not yet financially analyzed the bill.
Health Chairwoman Kay Katz, R-Monroe, agreed with the cost concerns.
"The school system can do this anyway," Katz said. "We're not telling them they can't."
Kenny Henderson, who leads the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, said the need to prevent injury likely extends beyond football.
"If we need the trainers for football, then in my opinion we need the trainers for other sports," said Henderson.
He said that the federal ban against discrimination in education may be in conflict with the bill, since football is largely played by male students. He said cheerleading also carries a risk of serious injury.
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Online:
House Bill 364 can be found at www.legis.state.la.us
A House committee has sidetracked a proposal to require licensed athletic trainers at junior high and high school football games.
Supporters of Alexandria Democrat Chris Roy's bill say it would prevent injuries and deaths of teenage players. Some committee members objected, saying it would impose an unfunded mandate on local school districts, many of which already struggle to pay for teachers.
The bill would require school officials to pull players from practice or competition if they suffer injuries classified as serious. Licensed athletic trainers would examine players and make the call on when they can safely resume playing.
The bill would originally have required trainers at all ages of competitive football games, but the committee amended the bill to exclude elementary and middle schools.
The House Committee on Health and Welfare on Wednesday sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee, rather than to the floor for debate.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says that having athletic trainers on the field to provide advice can significantly help prevent traumatic brain injury. Thirty-three other states have introduced bills aimed at sports-related concussions.
"In the last several weeks we've had NFL players who died of concussion syndromes," said Roy. "All of this starts way sooner than when they get in the NFL."
He told the committee Wednesday that some schools in Louisiana are already using trainers to recognize injuries and make sure players at serious risk aren't sent back onto the field.
But Rep. Rogers Pope, R-Denham Springs, said he worries the bill would create an unfunded mandate for schools.
"I think we all want to do what's best for athletes and for kids in general. I also live in another world and that's the world of economics," said Pope. Legislative budget advisers have not yet financially analyzed the bill.
Health Chairwoman Kay Katz, R-Monroe, agreed with the cost concerns.
"The school system can do this anyway," Katz said. "We're not telling them they can't."
Kenny Henderson, who leads the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, said the need to prevent injury likely extends beyond football.
"If we need the trainers for football, then in my opinion we need the trainers for other sports," said Henderson.
He said that the federal ban against discrimination in education may be in conflict with the bill, since football is largely played by male students. He said cheerleading also carries a risk of serious injury.
___
Online:
House Bill 364 can be found at www.legis.state.la.us
