State Representative Jim Buchy
Safety Measures in Fall Sports are Changing

The fall sports season is in full swing, and here in west central Ohio we have some great athletes that we all want to cheer on. Whether it is tennis, cross country, volleyball, soccer and football or any other number of fall activities, safety is paramount. At many sporting events a medical professional accompanies the team to ensure safety.

Over time we have gained more understanding of the importance for a competent medical professional to accompany the team because the quick attention to injury in these children is so important. In west central Ohio, we have great medical doctors but in many communities having a medical doctor present at a sporting event is not always possible. In the past chiropractic doctors could fill that void.

This year Ohio law changed to require a medical doctor to approve an athlete to return to the game following signs of a potential concussion. Providing young people proper care is a serious matter. In west central Ohio, chiropractic doctors had been providing this care for schools, which meant the athletes would receive more immediate care from a highly trained professional.

Chiropractic physicians are already involved in the management of concussions and have taken extensive course work where they studied the neurological system. In addition, their training includes hands-on learning and experience in the field. They have been involved in the practice of monitoring concussions on the athletic field since 1975. Certainly the debate over what is best for the young people is important because their safety is paramount.

The final impacts of this change are still being measured. Your feedback on this issue is important to guide the legislative process. Please answer a question about this issue and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyoct