Coaches face IHSA concussion test deadline

LOMBARD, Ill. (WLS) -- A deadline is nearing for high school coaches of fall sports in Illinois to prove that they know how to spot a player with a concussion.

It comes on a day when we learn more about the long-term effects of concussions on pro players.

Montini Catholic is a football powerhouse with the hardware to prove it: five state championships in 10 years.

Chris Andriano, Montini Catholic football's head coach for 36 years, has seen a handful of kids with concussions.

"We had one kid who had a concussion and he wasn't able to play anymore, so that has happened, but we're aware of it," Andriano said.

Raising awareness is the issue. Andriano, like all Illinois coaches, is now mandated by law to take an online test about concussions.

"It's common sense, for the most part, there are some things you have to brush up on and know, but it's good," Andriano said.

All coaches must complete this online test by Monday. A state representative from Vernon Hills pushed the bill for two years.

"Sixteen thousand coaches have taken this test and are, hopefully, just a little bit more informed, but I think they always wanted to be," said State Rep. Carol Sente, District 59.

The Illinois impact, according to the Illinois High School Association, is significant. The IHSA administers the test.

Emergency Room visits for children with concussions is up 60 percent during the last decade for all physical sports and activities. But for boys, football is the leading cause.

"We're way more cautious than we were with all the news that's out there in the NFL, the college game and the high school ranks, we feel like we're really on top of it," said St. Rita of Cascia High School Athletic Director Mike Zunica.

A report that's part of the concussion litigation states that 28 percent of retired players will experience cognitive problems like Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Like the NFL, high school coaches realize recent changes - even new laws - are to raise awareness.

"I think it's been a really positive part of keeping the game safe," Zunica said.