The Colorado legislation on concussions was a step further than most when it was going through the chambers, it is now set to be the most far-reaching on the books when signed by the Governor.  As reported by 9news of Denver most of the legislation deals with the high school student and fails to protect or educate sports outside of this realm.  Colorado is going further, by addressing the middle school aged kids and non-school sanctioned sports;

Colorado becomes the 13th state to require concussion training in youth sports. But unlike the majority of the other states that require training only for school-related athletics, Colorado would also include younger activities such as Little League baseball and Pop Warner football. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper planned to sign the training into law Tuesday.

The Colorado legislation is named after Jake Snakenberg who lost his life after returning too soon from a concussion.

This is something that we have addressed here on this blog, especially as it relates to Illinois.  It is a good START to address a particular section of the youth playing sports, but it would be nearsighted to not include mechanisms for other student-athletes not participating in school sports, for what ever reason.

Speaking of Illinois, HB200 that moved to the senate is now in the process of being melded with SB150 to include park districts, which is another step in the right direction.  But Colorado has taken the lead on this, including younger participants and club sports is a MUCH better starting point.

I am proud to be a Colorado Native, and hope that this will fall on the legislation of Illinois as well.

Thanks to my mom for sending this along!