With concussion lawsuit looming, IHSA takes new steps

With a potentially costly lawsuit looming over it, the governing body of prep sports in Illinois has launched new concussion-prevention projects.

The initiatives announced Tuesday by the Illinois High School Association come in the wake of the November class-action suit. It accuses the IHSA of doing too little to protect young athletes.

The package of new programs is dubbed “Play Smart. Play Hard.” It will provide athletes and parents more information on reducing risks concussions. A new player-safety council is also being created.

IHSA Director Marty Hickman told The Associated Press the litigation didn’t force the body to do more than it’s already doing.

But plaintiff’s attorney Joseph Siprut says the litigation is “lighting a fire under the IHSA.” He praises the new programs but says they’re not nearly enough.