Heads up! NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks about the importance of protecting student athletes from traumatic head injuries.

• Position: National Football League - Interview

Roger Goodell, the eighth chief executive in the NFL's 90-year history, took office in 2006. He spoke with State Legislatures about the importance of laws to help prevent young athletes from suffering traumatic brain injuries.

STATE LEGISLATURES: Why is the NFL working with state legislatures on laws dealing with youth sports concussions?

Goodell: Together, we can make sports, which are essential for so many of our kids, safer. Sports teach teamwork, perseverance, dedication and commitment that will serve kids well throughout their lives. Youth sports are safe, but we can make them even safer, especially with regard to head injuries.

We are changing the culture in the NFL with regard to concussions. Doctors--not coaches--are making the decisions regarding when a player returns to a game. When we in the NFL change our approach, we are told by youth coaches and parents that others on all levels take notice and follow.

As more is learned about the ways to manage concussions, the NFL will continue to lead by example. The medical literature says risks associated with concussion are greatest when the brain is still developing, so the greatest care must be taken with young athletes.

We have made it a priority to support laws that address youth concussions across the country. We are building on the work done in the Washington Legislature with the 2009 Zackery Lystedt law, which is a model we encourage all states to follow.

SL: What are the primary elements of a substantive law?

Goodell: It is a remarkably simple idea, but one that protects our young athletes from the worst risks of concussion. The law contains three core principles:

* Educate athletes and their parents or guardians about concussions.

* Remove an athlete who may have suffered a concussion from play.

* Allow athletes to return to play only after being cleared by a licensed health care provider.

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The law requires every child, as well as the parent or guardian, to sign an information sheet regarding concussions and their symptoms every year. Second, since children are at risk if they have suffered a concussion, they must be removed from competition immediately. Finally, only a licensed health care provider trained in the management of concussions should determine whether the child is able to return to play. These three simple steps will help prevent unnecessary head injuries to our children.

SL: Why should states pass this law?

Goodell: Concussions are brain...