What is going on in Austin?

Normally if you asked me that question I would say...probably something wierd. In fact that is the battle-cry for Austinites...Keep Austin Weird!

Well as far as I am concerned, it is business as usual in Austin and there is nothing weird about that.

In mid-March HB 4627 was introduced into legislation. Last week it was assigned to the Higher Education Committee. That is where it sits today. For how long? That is anyone's guess.

This bill will have a direct effect on you as a secondary school athletic trainer. It will require that all student athletes in a "contact sport" be required to have an annual physical and that all student athletes in a "contact sport" be required to have cognitive testing as a part of the annual physical.

If you are in a school district that requires annual physicals for all student athletes as opposed to the UIL minimum of incoming 7th, 9th and 11th grade, then this requirement is not a big deal for you. In reality, this requirement is not that big of a deal for schools like mine that have only required the minimum standards for physicals every other year and completion of physical paperwork on the non-physical years. I have fought for annual physicals for all student atheltes since I have been here and have been unsuccessful in those battles.

But there is that one little phrase "contact sport"...who is going to define a "contact sport"?

What are we to do with the sophmore girl that wants to play volleyball (non-contact) and then she wants to play soccer or basketball. Both of those sports have produced several concussions for me over the years but they could be argued that they are technically non-contact.

Remember under the rules, the sophmore girl is only required to have a physical her incoming 9th and 11th years...and she updated her paperwork before volleyball season began, but she was not required to get a doctor's exam.

Now lets look at cognitive testing...

What defines cognitive testing?

• Balance Testing?
• Computerized testing programs?
• SAC?
• Ability to pass classes?

Who is going to administer the cognitive testing?

• Physicans?
• Atheltic Trainers?
• Coaches?

These are all good questions that will be answered at somepoint if this bill becomes law.

If you want to track this bill or to read the bill as it is currently written you can click below:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4627

Yes, it is business as usual in Austin...the Legislature is in session...and there are always something weird that comes out of Legislative sessions!