To educate children and coaches on safe sports practices, the Hillsdale City Council approved a concussion management policy Monday night to benefit organized sports offered through the city’s parks and recreation department.
The new concussion policy would call for coaches to undergo a training session at city hall and become familiar with certain warning signs and tests that players can use to check for symptoms of head trauma. Parents will also be required to sign an acknowledgement form, informing parents of the risk involved with playing many contact sports.
Director of Parks and Recreation Michelle Loren said the most effective part of the policy is reevaluating athletes who have recovered from a previous concussion before they return to the team.
“If a child gets a concussion,” Loren said, “he can’t return until a release form is signed and returned by a medical practitioner. This will help parents and coaches keep tabs on children who could be seriously injured by another concussion.”
While the adoption of the policy is a requirement for all city governments as mandated by the state, Councilman Bruce Sharp said the proposal hit close to home for him.
“My son has had five concussions which lead to the incident a couple years ago,” Sharp said during the meeting. “Never ever put a kid in a situation like he went through. This issue is very near and dear to my heart. I hope no goes through what my family went through.”
Sharp’s son Wyatt suffered five concussions playing football for Jonesville High School and as a result developed severe depression. On March 5, 2013, Wyatt attempted to take his own life by shooting himself with a shotgun. He lived.
“That was the worst day of our life. A nightmare,” Bruce Sharp said. “I remember getting the call from the police thinking it was something like a bus accident. I drove to the hospital and when I walked in the room, I was in total shock.”
Wyatt spent 30 days in a trauma unit at the Detroit Medical Center and underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries. Sharp said his son never showed signs of depression, but according to hospital staff, the concussions were an indicator.
“He never had any severe issues. He was a happy kid, we couldn’t point to any warning signs but we mentioned the concussions to the staff,” Sharp said. “That was a huge red flag for them. Severe brain trauma is heavily linked to depression.
Wyatt was eventually transferred to another hospital to continue treatment, but a surprise gift from the Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, offered to pay for all of Wyatt’s care. Sharp said it was the greatest gift he ever received.
“The generosity and care we received from the Shriners was incredible,” Sharp said. “They paid for all his care and gave him top-notch help. The community also stepped up and met our family when we were at our lowest.”
Loren said that the new program is not only cost effective but also a great way to advertise about head injuries within the county.
“The tests are available for free through the Center for Disease Control and they are a great resource for our community,” Loren said. “I think there could be more awareness, especially as it relates to young athletes getting back in the game.”
Rec league football Coach Aaron Petersen said that while concussions aren’t a major issue for his fourth and fifth grade players, he recognizes the policy will do a good job of keeping parents informed.
“It’s important that parents and coaches understand that injuries to the brain are very real,” Petersen said. “You can’t underreact or overreact to a child’s injury. You have to find a balance. It’s better to be informed and safe, instead of sorry.”
The concussion proposal was passed by a unanimous vote of 6-0.
Sharp said Wyatt’s story is one that is hard to relive and think about, but he hopes it can better educate parents and young athletes regarding the severity of concussions.
“I hope our story can be an example to other family’s and can educate them to watch out for concussions,” Sharp said. “No kid’s life is worth a sporting event.”
