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WASHINGTON, D.C., May 14, 2013 – US Lacrosse is among the national sports organizations publicly endorsing the Youth Sports Concussion Act, a new bill that is expected to be introduced shortly in the U.S. Senate. The proposed congressional legislation is aimed at reducing youth sports concussions by empowering both the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to take stronger actions in guaranteeing equipment safety standards and claims by sporting goods manufacturers. Congressman Tom Udall (D-N.M.) is the primary sponsor of the bill.
Essentially, the new legislation hopes to extend the impact of the findings from a National Academies report on sports-related concussions, due to be released publicly no later than January 2014. That report is expected to include product safety standards that equipment manufacturers will need to consider for voluntary adoption.
“US Lacrosse supports efforts, such as the Youth Sports Concussion Act, which seek to increase the accountability of sporting goods manufacturers to accurately represent the protective benefits and limitations of equipment to mitigate injury and risk,” said Ann Carpenetti, managing director of game administration at US Lacrosse. “We have invested extensively in the area of injury research and prevention in the sport of lacrosse, and having sport specific equipment that performs to meet a protective standard is critically important to ensure player safety on the field.”
The proposed bill also allows the Federal Trade Commission to take stronger action against manufacturers who make false and deceptive product safety claims in advertising and marketing campaigns.
The U.S. Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will be charged with initial review and approval of the bill before it advances to the full Senate for consideration.
To date, the Youth Sports Concussion Act has received public endorsements from numerous organizations and associations, including the American Academy of Neurology, Brain Injury Association of America, Brain Trauma Foundation, Cleveland Clinic, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Football League, NFL Players Association, NCAA, National Hockey League, National Federation of State High School Associations, and U.S. Soccer.
About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse is the parent organization of the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams program. US Lacrosse has more than 415,000 members in 64 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game.
