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Bill

H 508

An Act to prevent concussion and head injury

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Ashe

Allows Massachusetts student soccer players to wear protective headgear on the field if it meets federal standards; does not require it, but promotes concussion safety.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
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Bill Summary · H 508

Summary: H 508 – An Act to prevent concussion and head injury

Overview

H 508 is a Massachusetts bill titled “An Act to prevent concussion and head injury.” The bill would permit, rather than require, students who participate in soccer contests, competitions, or practices to wear protective headgear on the field, provided the headgear satisfies relevant federal standards for soccer headgear. The measure aims to address head injuries and concussions among student-athletes engaged in soccer.

What the bill would do

  • Establishes that any student participating in soccer on-field activities may wear protective headgear during contests, competitions, or practices.
  • Requires that the headgear used meets relevant federal standards for soccer headgear.
  • Does not appear to mandate headgear usage; rather, it guarantees the option and aligns safety standards with federal guidelines.

Key provisions (as described in the bill text)

  • Eligibility to wear: All students participating in soccer activities (contests, competitions, practices) are permitted to wear protective headgear on the field.
  • Standards: Headgear must satisfy relevant federal standards for soccer headgear.
  • Scope: Applies to soccer-related activities on the field (not necessarily other sports unless amended).

Who would be affected

  • Student soccer players in Massachusetts schools and affiliated programs.
  • School districts, athletic departments, and coaches would need to recognize and accommodate the option to wear headgear on the field.
  • Equipment suppliers and vendors offering soccer headgear that meets federal standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Education: February 27, 2025.
  • Senate concurred: February 27, 2025.
  • House docket: No. 508; Filed January 13, 2025.
  • Related filing: HD 752 (replaces) and a similar matter previously filed as House No. 429 (2023-2024).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for May 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, in Room B-2.

Related context

  • The bill’s wording emphasizes safety standards compliance for headgear rather than mandating participation in wearing headgear.
  • The bill reflects ongoing concern about concussions and head injuries in youth sports and follows prior similar proposals.

Potential impact (summary)

  • Positive: Clarifies that wearing protective headgear is allowed, potentially increasing safety for student-athletes without restricting individual choice.
  • Operational: School athletic programs may need to update policies to explicitly permit headgear on the field and ensure equipment used meets federal standards.
  • Fiscal: No explicit appropriation is stated; potential costs related to headgear purchases for interested students or districts.

If you’d like, I can add a concise comparison to prior related bills (e.g., HB 429 of 2023-2024) or draft a one-page briefing for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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