20-7-1301. Purpose -- intent. (1) The legislature finds that protecting youth athletes from serious injury is a compelling state interest. The purpose of 20-7-1301 through 20-7-1304 is to prevent permanent injury and death to youth athletes in the state of Montana. To further this interest, the legislature finds:
     (a) concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities;
     (b) a concussion is caused by a blow or motion to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull;
     (c) the risks of catastrophic injuries or death are significant when a concussion or brain injury is not properly evaluated and managed;
     (d) concussions are a type of brain injury that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works;
     (e) concussions can occur in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity and can result from a fall or from players colliding with each other, with the ground, or with obstacles;
     (f) concussions occur with or without loss of consciousness; and
     (g) continuing to play with a concussion or symptoms of brain injury leaves the youth athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury and even death.
     (2) Sections 20-7-1301 through 20-7-1304 do not create a new cause of action.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 260, L. 2013.