In my first post regarding rules changes I had some concerns with the new rule regarding concussion symptoms and the seeming need for officials to make medical decisions. After clarifying this with both the VHSL and one of the people who debated and enacted the rule in the NFHS office, I think this is a far better rule, but it is going to put a much larger burden on coaches.
Because concussions are a major concern, if an official sees a player display any symptom of concussion -- appearantly unconscious, disoriented, confused, wobbly, vomiting -- then he tells the coach the player cannot return until medically cleared. Once that's done, it's out of the hands of the officials and now completely under the responsibility of the coach. The officials DO NOT have to be informed of his return, DO NOT have to be given a note from a doctor (which is part of the current rule) and need not worry about it any longer.
The rule that the player must be medically cleared is a procedural matter for the coaches. Also, the change will allow trainers who are not M.D.s to clear a player, as I understand it. Someone who knows how to test for a concussion can then make a decision and the coaches and teams act accordingly.
Another change regarding medical clearance involves doctors notes when players are wearing a cast. No longer will a copy of a doctor's note need to be given to the officials. From now on, as long as the cast is properly padded, a player can play.
Finally, a change was made that was not mentioned in the original release, which is surprising because it could have an enormous affect of coaches. Last year a new sideline rule was put into effect making the first 2 yaards around the field as a restricted zone. Coaches can step in there between plays, but during a live ball they must be back in the team box. If that is violated, the first incident is a warning, followed by a 5-yard penalty and, on 3rd offense, a 15-yarder.
In cases where a coach contacts an official in this area, a warning was issued. This year, anytime an official is contacted in this zone it is an AUTOMATIC 15 yard penalty, unsportsmanlike conduct charged to the head coach, regardless of who made the contact. Two unsportsmanlikes is an ejection.
Because concussions are a major concern, if an official sees a player display any symptom of concussion -- appearantly unconscious, disoriented, confused, wobbly, vomiting -- then he tells the coach the player cannot return until medically cleared. Once that's done, it's out of the hands of the officials and now completely under the responsibility of the coach. The officials DO NOT have to be informed of his return, DO NOT have to be given a note from a doctor (which is part of the current rule) and need not worry about it any longer.
The rule that the player must be medically cleared is a procedural matter for the coaches. Also, the change will allow trainers who are not M.D.s to clear a player, as I understand it. Someone who knows how to test for a concussion can then make a decision and the coaches and teams act accordingly.
Another change regarding medical clearance involves doctors notes when players are wearing a cast. No longer will a copy of a doctor's note need to be given to the officials. From now on, as long as the cast is properly padded, a player can play.
Finally, a change was made that was not mentioned in the original release, which is surprising because it could have an enormous affect of coaches. Last year a new sideline rule was put into effect making the first 2 yaards around the field as a restricted zone. Coaches can step in there between plays, but during a live ball they must be back in the team box. If that is violated, the first incident is a warning, followed by a 5-yard penalty and, on 3rd offense, a 15-yarder.
In cases where a coach contacts an official in this area, a warning was issued. This year, anytime an official is contacted in this zone it is an AUTOMATIC 15 yard penalty, unsportsmanlike conduct charged to the head coach, regardless of who made the contact. Two unsportsmanlikes is an ejection.