Injuries were among the challenges the football team had to face this season. Concussions in particular handicapped the team?s ability, playing a role in their 1-9 record.
According to head coach Bill Lapthorn, this year has been ?a very uncommon year as far as these things go in regards to injury.?
During the homecoming game, the team was missing four linebackers, its free kicker and starting full back.
Many players sustained time loss injuries due to concussions as nation-wide awareness of these harmful injuries increases, which Lapthorn said caused the team to adjust its strategy.
One of the reasons why so many players were out this season was the fact this year there ?is a much greater awareness on what a concussion is,? head athletic trainer John Reynolds said
The number of concussions has not increased dramatically; rather, according to Reynolds, the awareness of their dangers has increased. As a result, the number of reported concussions has increased as well.
Marshall?s issue with concussions is part of a larger national issue. Each year, according to the Brain Injury Association, U.S. emergency departments treat an estimated 135,000 sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among children ages 5 to 18.
In response to the dangers of concussions in sports, a bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly will be put into effect in July. The bill states that ?each local school division shall develop policies and procedures regarding the identification and handling of suspected concussions in student-athletes.?
The bill orders the removal of any students suspected of sustaining a brain injury in a practice or game from any sports activity until that concussion subsides.
Also, it requires schools to have a licensed health care provider review the athletes and their conditions. Lastly, the bill mandates that student athletes and their parents are educated in the dangers and symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
FCPS is well on its way to implementing the programs that are prescribed in this bill. County athletic programs already have trainers, and educational programs for parents and students are currently in effect, Reynolds said.