Legislation
Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act: The Name Behind Senate Bill 112
Dylan Steigers was a charming, persuasive, and popular young man. He had the reputation of being a fierce and intimidating opponent and competitor. He gave as good as he got and would do anything for his teammates and coaches. A former Sentinel Spartan, Dylan went on to play college football in Oregon.
Dylan Steigers and his grandmother Phyllis Ouellette.
On May 8, 2010 during a spring football scrimmage Dylan suffered a traumatic brain injury. Dylan was flown to Boise, ID where he was treated. He was removed from life support the next day and died. The neurologist who cared for him explained that the injury appeared to be a blow and a twist causing a rupture in the main artey in his brain.
The 63rd Montana Legislature is currently in session. The purpose of the Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act is to prevent permanent injury and death to youth athletes in the state of Montana. The Act includes:
- Education: Athletic trainers, coaches, officials, youth athletes, and parents or guardians of the nature and risk of brain injuries including the effects of continuing to play after a concussion.
- Suspected Concussion/ Removal from Play: “When in doubt, sit them out.”
- Assessment: There are a variety of assessment tools readily available examples include the “Impact” and “The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool”
- Clearance/ Return to Play: When indicated is solely determined by the licensed Health Care provider managing the youth athlete’s concussion.
SB 112 is sponsored by Senator Anders Blewett
Co-Sponsors include: Sen. Alan Olson, Sen. Jon Sonju, Sen. Fred Thomas, Rep. Scott Reichner, and Rep. Cary Smith.
Dylan’s family wholeheartedly supports the Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act. “If we can prevent just one other Montana family from experiencing the grief that we have endured, the value of the passing of this bill would be immeasurable.” –Dylan’s family
Watch live coverage of the 63rd Montana Legislature session HERE.
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Dylan Steigers Protection of Youth Athletes Act
SENATE BILL 112 IN THE NEWS
Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act is gaining visibility in the news.
The collective understanding of concussion has changed dramatically in a relatively short period of time and the approach used in managing this injury today is very different from that employed 10 or 20 years ago. It is now widely recognized that once concussion is suspected, immediate action is required to minimize short-term effects and protect the student from possible long-term harm. The Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act will help prevent permanent injury and death to youth athletes in the state of Montana.
On Friday, February 1, SB 112: Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act was read before the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee will vote on bill in the coming weeks.
Watch the news clips below:
SB 112 Dylan Steigers’ Protection of Youth Athletes Act Committee hearing video
Sports Progams Aim to Prevent Concussions video
“Concussion Bill Should be a No-Brainer”
-click HERE to read the full article!