Indiana is a step closer to becoming the first state to require high school and youth football coaches receive concussion and player safety education after the lawmakers approved the measure Monday.
The legislation will require coaches not just in high school but in every level of level of youth football to receive concussion and player safety education at least once every two years. That education must come from a program certified by the Department of Education.
Rep. Lloyd Arnold, R-Huntington, is the bill's sponsor and says the new requirement will make Indiana a leader in concussion awareness and prevention.
"We'll make sure that our football coaches at the high school level and the youth level understand the proper techniques in tackling and the way to keep from having those head injuries and to work with them on the proper fit of uniforms," Arnold said.
The bill now heads for conference committee, where its author, Senator Travis Holdman, R-Markle, says some minor technical issues need to be resolved.