ALBANY (AP) -- Starting next year, a new law in New York says student athletes suspected of suffering concussions should be immediately removed from games.
The legislation recently signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo directs state health and education officials to draft regulations for schools to implement the law on mild traumatic brain injuries starting in July.
It requires immediate benching of any student who has or may have suffered a concussion in a school-related activity, including interscholastic and intramural sports and gym classes.
Students can play again only after they are symptom-free for 24 hours and cleared by a doctor.
Concussions are usually temporary, but can cause headaches and problems with concentration, memory, judgment, balance and coordination.
Sponsors say athletes need to be protected from further injury and possible long-term effects.
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