Concussion Concerns Change MN Prep Football
ST. PAUL - High school football in Minnesota has changed rapidly in recent years, with a new focus on safety as concern over concussions and other injuries rises.
But a months-long reporting project by Minnesota Public Radio News and KARE-TV found some schools aren't doing as much as others to protect student athletes.
It found a disparity in the way schools continually track injuries, survey cognitive ability before and after injury, and provide information about safety and head injuries.
High school football programs also differ in the amount of money invested in better equipment and reduction of contact during practices.
Overall, the project determined a state law passed in 2011 has raised awareness of the short and long-terms risks associated with concussions.
The two news outlets sought information about high school football programs, including policies and budgets, from more than 100 districts.