CHARLESTON, W.Va (WDTV) – Making football safe has been a priority on every level in recent years and in West Virginia politicians are doing their part. Monday District 7 Senator Mike Stuart introduced the Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act in Senate Bill 585.
“We have the ability and the chance to make a big difference not only for Cohen Craddock and his family but for kids similarly situated across the country,” Senator Stuart said.
“This is a smart bill and it’s a bill that can grow with West Virginia over time. It addresses football safety for our sons today but it can also address many other important issues affecting the safety of our kids on athletic fields and courts all across West Virginia moving forward.”
If passed the act would require the use of guardian caps for middle school and high school football practices. These special helmets have been worn by many players in the NFL during the 2024 season. They are proven to help reduce concussions.
“It seems to me that if it’s good enough for the NFL and that if the NFL knows it’s good policy and good science then we should be doing this in West Virginia,” Senator Stuart said.
“Once we do this in West Virginia this will be adopted across the country. It’s so cheap and inexpensive to do that those sons that are on those football fields later are going to be glad they had these protectors on their heads moving forward.”
Senator Stuart tells 5 News he expects the bill to pass with bipartisan support.
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