`MARYLAND'STATE DEPARTMENT OF

Lillian M. Lowery, Ed.D. State Superintendent of Schools

EDUCATION ... ..
February 12, 2014 The Honorable Sheila E. Hixson, Chairman House Ways and Means Committee Room 130 House Office Building Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1991 Re: House Bill 426 Concussion Impact Sensor Pilot Program Dear Chairman Hixson:

200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201 410-767-0100 410-333-6442 TTY/TDD

The Maryland State Department of Education(MSDE)opposes House Bi11426-Concussion Impact Sensor Pilot Program. Over the last several years, concussion education management and recovery has been a focal point of interscholastic athletic programs in public schools in Maryland. All coaches are required to have completed a concussion awareness program. In addition, all parents/guardians and students are provided concussion awareness material and must sign off on receiving such information. In July, the Maryland State Board of Education enacted regulations that call for limiting contact exposure in collision and contact sports to 3 days a week. MSDE opposes the proposed legislation calling for a selected school in each school system to receive donated sensors to measure impact velocity as an indicator for potential concussions. To date, there is no threshold guide for a field assessment measured by the velocity of a blow to the head or neck. Each participant has his or her unique tolerance. The National Operating Committees on Standards for Athletic Equipment(NOCSAE)states,"The addition ofafter-market items by anyone that changes or alters the protective system by adding or deleting protective padding to the inside or outside of the helmet, or which changes or alters the geometry of the shell or adds mass to the helmet, whether temporary or permanent, voids the certification of compliance with the NOCSAE standard." Finally, we contend that the premature introduction of technology into the complex issue of concussion awareness, prevention, and management would not advance a unified accurate strategy for addressing the issues surrounding concussions. The Department respectfully urges your Committee to give HB426 an unfavorable report. For further information, please contact Renee Spence: 410-260-6028 or rspence(a~msde.state.md.us Sincerely,

Lillian M. Lowery, Ed. D. State Superintendent of Schools LML;es

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