Nothing seems worse than enjoying a game on minute, only to see a young athlete lying immobile on the turf the next. Case and point, the following seeks to address a growing problem in America, and one that’s recently made headlines in professional football, as the NFL players association is pushing for better medical coverage for long-term ailments derived from physical abuse following careers in the league.

Based on vast evidence suggesting that improperly treated concussions may lead to long-term physical and mental problems, the House of Representatives has voted in favor of setting federal guidelines to manage concussions among student athletes. The guidelines are meant to protect young people who’ve suffered head injuries from additional long-term trauma.

As a precautionary measure, the bill insists that the federal government hold a conference of medical, athletic and education experts to convene and decide on standards of operation. Those experts would be employed to design guidelines that address the prevention, identification, treatment and management of concussions in school-aged children. An example would be predetermined standards for allowing children to return to play following a concussion; an outcome that’s grossly overlooked in many situations, as many players return to the field too soon.

George Miller, Chairman for the Education and Labor Committee, is currently working on a bill that would employ school districts to implement concussion safety and management plans, a standard which could lead to healthier, better-protected student athletes.