House committee hears concussion training bill

Intro:	The House Emerging Education Issues Committee heard a bill to require coaches of youth athletic activities to go through concussion training.
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Wrap: The bill applies to coaches of any organization that hosts a youth athletic activity for which an activity fee is charged.

The training would need to be in-person or online and would have to be completed every thirty-six months.

Bill sponsor Republican Paul Fitzwater said the bill expands upon current law.

Actuality:	FITZA.WAV
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Description: Now, these key aspects of Missouri's current law are intact in House Bill 2388, and basically this proposed bill, it just expands the coverage to protect more youth.

There were no witnesses at the hearing that testified against the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon Shaver.

Intro:	Youth sports coaches would be required to undergo concussion training under a measure presented to the Education Emerging Issues Committee.
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Wrap: The bill would apply to coaches of any organization that hosts a youth athletic activity for which an activity fee is charged.

During the committee hearing St. Clair Republican Dave Hinson asked why referees were not included in the bill.

The executive director of the Missouri Brain Injury Association, Maureen Cunningham, responded they wanted to keep the focus on coaches.

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Description: The thought was to keep the removal of play with the coach who is responsible, or with the licensed athletic trainer on the sideline of the contest. So that's the reason that the game officials were not officially listed initially.

But the bill sponsor said he would not be opposed to an amendment regarding officials.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon Shaver.

Intro:	A new bill states concussion training would be required for all coaches of youth athletic activities.
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Wrap: The House Emerging Issues Committee heard the bill that would apply to coaches of any organization that hosts a youth athletic activity for which an activity fee is charged.

Committee members expressed concern over the cost and funding of the training.

Head athletic trainer at Hickman High School in Columbia Stefanie West said much of the training is free and online.

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Description: There's already training available on several sites and Maureen touched on that. Through the brain injury association, MSHSAA has a good site, MoATA has already been talking about, if this passing maybe developing something specific for youth athletes."

There were no witnesses to testify against the legislation at the hearing.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon Shaver.