Rep. Morgan Irwin has introduced legislation to create a centralized database system through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for data relating to concussion rates in high school sports.

House Bill 2731 seeks for schools to report information about each head injury sustained in grades 9-12 during activities overseen by the WIAA. This would allow them to create a centralized database system to include data on concussion rates, patterns, trends and other relevant information.

“This bill isn’t about trying to limit the number of sports available to students,” said Irwin, R-Enumclaw, District 31. “This is about ensuring everything is being rightfully done to keep students safe, and to potentially prevent head-related injuries in the future.”

Irwin says the reality is concussions are a growing problem within high school sports in our state, and across the country; thus proving the need for a better data collection system.

“Having adequate data is important so we can better track any trends that need to be addressed,” Irwin said. “The results matter to everyone involved including the athletes, their parents, coaches and medical training staff. My hope is that researchers can analyze these reports to minimize future injuries using real data. Let’s do right by our kids and the sports they compete in.”

House Bill 2731 has been referred to the House Education Committee where it awaits a public hearing.

The 60-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 12.