AB 25 establishes California as a leading state for protecting the health and safety of student athletes
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) announced today that the Governor has signed her bill, AB 25, which establishes critically-needed return-to-play rules in school-sponsored sports. The bill places California among the states with the strongest laws to protect the health and safety of student athletes.
“This is a landmark bill for California that will allow our kids to be the athletes they want to be, without sacrificing their safety,” stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. “Too many young people return to the game too soon after a head injury. AB 25 ensures that kids are healthy enough to return to play, helping to prevent the life-threatening multiple concussions that can have devastating and long-term effects on their health.”
Co-sponsored by the National Football League, AB 25 requires a school district to immediately remove an athlete from a school-sponsored athletic activity if he or she is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury.
“The Raiders are proud to continue our support of efforts to promote the health, safety and well-being of young athletes,” said Morris Bradshaw, former Raiders player and current Raiders Senior Administrator.
"The 49ers organization is thrilled that AB 25 has been officially signed. Congratulations to Assemblywoman Hayashi, the NFL and the other sponsors of this bill. Protecting our youth from sustaining needless injury, in particular head injuries, should always be a priority throughout competitive athletics. The progress that has been made in improving the safety of our youth in sports over the last year is commendable. The NFL and its teams feel a deep responsibility to set a proper example, and the signing of this bill is a tremendous step in keeping our youth safe and healthy as they compete in sports."
“This is great news,” said A.G. Spanos, the Chargers’ executive vice president and chief executive officer. “We’re proud of our state’s leadership in taking these important steps to help ensure the health and safety of our young athletes.”
The bill would prohibit the return of the student until he or she is evaluated by, and receives written clearance from, a licensed health care provider. In addition, the bill requires a concussion and head injury information sheet to be signed and returned by that athlete and their parent or guardian before the first practice or competition.
The Center for Injury Research and Policy reports that over 40 percent of high school players return to play too early after experiencing a head injury. In addition, 16 percent of high school football players who lost consciousness returned to play the very same day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that high school athletes who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a second concussion. Such cumulative head trauma can be devastating, and result in a number of health problems, including sleep disorders, memory loss, and depression.
Assemblymember Hayashi is the Chair of the Business, Professions, and Consumer Protection Committee and serves the 18th Assembly District, which includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo and Sunol
Contact: Ross Warren, (916) 319-2018
