Litigation

Pop Warner Youth Football League To Require Written Medical Clearance Before Player With Concussion Allowed To Return to Play

By Michael Kaplen

The nation's oldest and largest youth football organization, Pop Warner has announced that it will now require written medical clearance before allowing a player who has suffered a concussion to return to play.

In a statement to the Associated Press,, Jon Butler, Pop Warner?s Executive Director is reported as saying, "It takes all the pressure off a coach." "There is no decision ? the child is out until being signed off by a trained medical professional."

The organization also announced Thursday the creation of a national medical advisory board. The chairman is Dr. Julian Bailes, who works with the NFL Players Association on concussion-related issues and is chairman of neurosurgery at West Virginia's medical school.

Pop Warner officials estimate more than 280,000 kids play in their football leagues across 43 states. The rules and medical board cover another estimated 190,000 girls involved in Pop Warner cheerleading and dance programs.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on November 19, 2010 (boomark / email).