NH ranks 44th on high school athletic safety

A new study ranked New Hampshire 44th for keeping high school athletes safe from life-threatening injuries. 

The study came from the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut. Experts evaluated regulations from state high school athletic associations, departments of education, and laws. The regulations were divided into five areas: cardiac arrest, heat stroke, traumatic head injury, health care coverage, and emergency preparedness.

North Carolina scored first in the nation and Colorado came in last. Massachusetts ranked third, Maine ranked 26th, and Vermont ranked 34th.

Critics of the ranking point out that states were penalized if a safety measure was recommended but not required. Even if every high school in the state chose to implement a safety measure, the state did not get points for it. For example, New Hampshire received no points for recommending that schools separate two-a-day practices by at least three hours.

New Hampshire has limited state laws regarding safety in high school athletics, but in 2012 the state did pass a law that requires a coach to remove a student from play if there is a possible concussion. 

Do you think New Hampshire needs more state laws and regulations to protect student athletes? Share your opinion in the comments below.