The Brain Injury Association of America has designated March as Brain Injury Awareness Month for the last 30 years, with the goal this year of de-stigmatizing brain injury, empowering those who have survived brain injury and their caregivers, and promoting the many types of support that are available to people living with brain injury. Simpson Head Football Coach Matt Jeter tells KNIA News that brain injury awareness has improved a lot in recent years, and that is reflected on the football field as well.

“Back when I played in the 90’s head injuries weren’t really considered part of the game, if you had a concussion you were back the next week. Now there are protocols with the athletic training staff, and it is all in their hands, coaches don’t make those decisions, and we do tests before the athletes even take the field to know where they are at and when they can get back on the field if they have a concussion.”

Jeter also said a change in technique using the rugby tackle, which teaches using your arms to grapple the midsection, is becoming more and more common. For more information on how football is adapting to increased awareness for brain injuries, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.