Concussion caution in HS sports growing

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - While Grand Rapids Christian is prepping for its Friday night football home opener against Grand Rapids South Christian, starting strong safety Jack Bates is resting at home -- and not by choice.

"I didn't know that I had a concussion," Bates admitted. "It's tough seeing guys go to practice, and then sitting back at home knowing you can't play Friday night."

Bates received a concussion at practice Aug. 9, but he and his family didn't realize it until four days later.

He initially complained about soreness and headaches.

"(We were) getting out the medicine as if he had a bad headache," Jack's father, Jonathan, told 24 Hour News 8. "It didn't really cross our mind that it was a hit."
 
Jack Bates, a 15-year-old sophomore, still had headaches. After the head-jarring hit, he played in a scrimmage and went through another two-a-day practice. He told 24 Hour News 8 that is when the headaches were at their worst and when he started sitting out on doctor's orders.
 
Grand Rapids Christian linebackers coach Mark Hall pulls double duty; he is also the de facto team doctor. Hall is an emergency physician and the Kent County Health Department medical director.
 
"I think we're headed in the right direction," said Hall. "Educating the players, the coaches, the parents, all the way down that this is real -- and that we need to address the whole concussion issue."
 
Hall commends the Michigan High School Athletic Association for guidelines set three years ago that dictate coaches must sit out a player with concussion symptoms until a doctor gives them approval.

At Grand Rapids Christian, Jack's recovery will take more time. The Bates said Hall recommends one week of rest, and that's after the sophomore is done feeling any concussion after-effects.
 
Hall said lately he has noticed renewed emphasis on new thinking and he hopes coaches get out of an old-school mentality.

This year, MHSAA required all head coaches across the state to take online instruction to learn about concussions.
 
"Particularly this year, there's been a lot of emphasis, and I think that's appropriate," he said. "Shake it off, tough it out, suck it up. That just really doesn't apply for concussions."

"(Dr. Hall) said I really have to be truthful to him and really to myself, too, because I can't go back out there and try to fight right through," said Jack.
 
So for now, the Bates family will watch, cheer and wait.
 
"As much as we love football, we need to make sure he's ready. Then you can hit 'em," said Jack's mother, Jill Bates.

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Online:

MHSAA: A parent's guide to concussion in sports ( pdf)

MHSAA health and safety