State Panel Won’t Push to Expand Law on Youth Concussions

HELENA — A legislative panel won’t recommend any changes to a Montana law protecting school athletes against concussions.

The Education and Local Government Interim Committee had discussed expanding the law to cover community youth sports and other non-school athletics. But member decided Wednesday against amending rules enacted three years ago to protect student athletes from brain injuries caused by collisions and other severe blows.

Since the law’s passage, there have been discussions about protecting more children by including community youth soccer groups, small fry football and club sports.

A University of Montana study says about a third of youth sports groups do not have concussion policies in place. They are not required to do so under the current law.

Severe contact can cause damage to still-developing brains, leading to learning disabilities and changes in behavior.