Ohio Senate panel clears bill on youth concussions

COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio Senate committee has cleared a bill aimed at protecting young athletes with concussions or head injuries.

The Senate’s health committee approved the measure today. The committee’s chairman, Sen. Scott Oelslager, said the full Senate could vote next week.

The measure would require coaches or officials to remove a player from a game or practice if the athlete shows signs of a concussion or is suspected of having one. Athletes would need approval from a doctor to return to play, but they could be treated by other medical professionals.

The bill also requires coaches and referees to be trained in how to recognize symptoms of concussions or head injuries.

State Rep. Michael Stinziano, the bill’s sponsor, says the goal is to educate coaches and keep athletes safe.