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Bill would allow trained officials to remove athletes with suspected concussions
Summary
Delegate April Miller told the committee HB 961 would add athletic officials (referees) to the list of trained adults authorized to remove student athletes from play when a concussion is suspected, aligning Maryland law with CDC guidance and practices in other states. Witnesses supported the change but asked for clear operational language to distinguish temporary removal for evaluation from formal diagnosis and return‑to‑play rules.
Delegate April Miller presented House Bill 961, which would explicitly add athletic officials to the list of adults who may remove a student athlete from play if a concussion is suspected. Miller said officials are often closest to players’ faces and behavior during play and could initiate the concussion protocol.
Duncan Morgan Wester, a high school volleyball referee, described instances where coaches refused to remove athletes and argued the law should empower referees to get players evaluated. Ruth Carlick of the Brain Injury Association of Maryland and athletic directors and coaches supported including officials while emphasizing training and process clarity.
Kevin Len, an athletic director, urged careful operational language to distinguish a precautionary temporary removal and observation from a formal concussion determination requiring medical clearance. Witnesses noted other states explicitly allow officials to remove players and recommended aligning Maryland law with CDC Heads Up and NFHS guidance.
The committee discussed who retains chain‑of‑command responsibility during contests and how to protect both athlete safety and orderly contest operations. Sponsors signaled intent to add clarifying amendments about procedures for evaluation, who communicates removal, and how to avoid unnecessary game disruptions.
What happens next: Sponsor will work on clarifying operational language and amendments before committee action.
