Sports-related injuries are one of the most common causes of concussions in children and young adults. The prevalence and negative consequences of sports-related concussions have led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consider sports-related concussions a major public health issue among children and young adults.

Why this matters:

• In the US an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually, accounting for 5-9% of all sports-related injuries.
• According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, sports-related concussions affected about 2.25 million high school students in 2017.
• As of 2015 approximately 113,136 children and young adults were participating in high school athletics in Mississippi.
• The CDC reports that concussion rates among children ages 10-19 increased by nearly 100,000 in 2009 compared with 2001.
• In Mississippi between 2015 and 2018 4,900 concussions were diagnosed in a clinical setting for children ages four to 19.
• Medical professional organizations such as the National Academy of Medicine, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine, National Trainers’ Athletic Association, American College of Sports Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, and American Academy of Pediatrics support the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s assessment that youth SRC is a significant public health issue.

Mississippi’s concussion law does not cover or address:

• The youngest athletes (children not in grades 7-12)
• Concussion education for athletes
• Recreational sports
• Baseline cognitive testing
• Appropriate equipment for sports where concussion is a risk
• Implementation of return to learn guidelines
• Require reporting of incidences of concussions
• Athletic trainer availability

The Center for Mississippi Health Policy has produced an issue brief that summarizes the research on the impact of SSPs and examines policy considerations. To view the source appendix click here with source citations. There are links to both documents in the side bar at the left of this page.  Printed copies of the brief and report can be obtained by contacting the Center for Mississippi Health Policy at 601-709-2133 or by e-mail at info@mshealthpolicy.com.