Study: 580 Concussions in North Dakota Prep Sports Last Year

A study conducted by the North Dakota High School Activities Association found that there were at least 580 sports-related concussions during the 2011-12 academic year.

State lawmakers recommended the study. The Forum newspaper reports the activities association surveyed 169 member schools and got 117 responses.

Association Executive Secretary Sherm Sylling says the 580 concussions related to 24 sports and activities is significant, though he has nothing to compare it to.

The sport with the most concussions in the survey was football, with 232; that means one out of every 18 football players suffered a concussion last fall.

Overall, about one in every 45 North Dakota High School athletes suffered a concussion.

Fargo activities director Todd Olson says there is more awareness of concussions, which has been good for athletes.