Up to March 19 this year, 259 injuries during high school sports were recorded. Of this amount, 33 were concussions.
The information was provided by the territory’s only Athletic Trainer, Florence Wasko, at a hearing of the House Health Committee yesterday; on a bill which proposes a course to help coaches and sports officials recognize concussions and head injuries.
Wasko said, these figures are from 161 of the 362 sports events that are held in a school year.
Wasko was among witnesses testifying on a House Bill, which provides that government agencies and private associations who sponsor youth athletic activities require primary coaches and officials to complete an annual concussion recognition course.
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The bill sets contents of the course, designates the Department of Health as the responsible agency, and provides limited immunity for coaches, officials, agencies and associations.
Other witnesses were Health Director Motusa Tuileama Nua, Attorney General Fainuulelei Alailima Utu, and Director of Education Talauega Dr. Samisoni Asaeli.
The bill had been approved by the House in the 36th Legislature, but was killed by the Senate. The new bill was introduced on January 27 by Reps Larry Sanitoa, Vailoata Amituanai, Tavai Alailepule Vaivao, Vesiai Samuelu and Manavaalofa Tutuila Manase.
The bill was passed in second reading by the House, today.
