Recent research has showed that high school sports players have a higher chance of getting a concussion than even college sports players. Concussions don’t only affect the player, it affects the people around them, such as friends and family.

What is a concussion

  A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It’s caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head or body. Concussions are very common in football, soccer, basketball, and wrestling. They can change chemicals and cells that are in the brain used for concentration, problem-solving, and mood. Brain trauma is when the brain swells up and cuts off blood flow to the brain.

Example of a serious concussion

  17 year old Luke Duane Schemm collapsed on the sidelines during a football game on Tuesday November 3rd, after scoring a touchdown. He was taken to the Swedish Medical Center in Denver, where he was put on life support, so his friends and family could say their goodbyes. Doctors said he had suffered brain trauma and he was declared brain dead.

  The next day, November 4th, Luke was taken off life support. Luke’s parents, David and Lisa Schemm, along with his brother, Clay Schemm spoke at a press conference outside of the Denver Hospital. He went to Wallace County High School in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Local impact of concussion policies

  According to the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA),

“Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.”  According to assistant principal Mr. Backhaus the policy has not changed at McPherson high school  the past year, this policy has not changed. The people who are affected should also help make sure that the policy is followed.

For more information about concussions from KSHSAA.