After the deaths of three North Carolina high school football players, including Jaquan Waller from J.H. Rose in Greenville, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association is taking action.
Waller and one of the other players died from head injuries. New safeguards will keep players with head injuries off the field.
A medical panel for the association said that athletes suspected of suffering a concussion must be cleared by a physician before they can play or practice.
The committee's recommendation requiring written permission from a physician before a player can resume practice is effective immediately.
The panel also said schools need to file emergency action plans with the association detailing how they respond to player injuries.
Schools also need to certify the credentials of their athletic trainers or first-responders and have a first-responder trained.