High Schools Prioritize Concussion Prevention After Tragic Death

New protocols and education efforts aim to protect student-athletes on Long Island and across New York

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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When a 16-year-old football player from Shoreham-Wading River High School tragically died in 2014 after an on-field collision, it sparked major changes in how high schools in New York approach concussion prevention and safety. In the years since, the state has introduced stricter return-to-play protocols, increased education for coaches and players, and reduced full-contact practice time to better protect student-athletes from the long-term effects of head injuries.

Why it matters

The death of Tom Cutinella highlighted the urgent need for more robust concussion protocols and safety measures in high school sports. While progress has been made, concussions remain a serious concern, and continued education and advocacy are crucial to protecting young athletes' brain health.

The details

In the early 2010s, concussions were often graded on a scale from one to three, with one being dizziness and three being unconsciousness for more than 30 seconds. But the shift to monitoring brain function and symptom duration has made the process "much safer for the high school athlete," according to athletic trainer Diego Garcia. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association also introduced the "Tommy Tough Standards" in 2017, named after Cutinella, which set much stricter return-to-play protocols. Coaches have also placed a greater emphasis on proper tackling techniques to protect the head. While concussions still occur, athletes are more likely to report symptoms honestly due to increased awareness of the risks.

  • On October 1, 2014, 16-year-old Tom Cutinella died after a tragic on-field collision at Shoreham-Wading River High School.
  • In 2017, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association introduced the "Tommy Tough Standards" return-to-play protocols.

The players

Tom Cutinella

A 16-year-old football player from Shoreham-Wading River High School who died in 2014 after an on-field collision.

Stephen Tozer

An athletic trainer at Syosset High School.

Diego Garcia

An athletic trainer at Cold Spring Harbor Junior and Senior High School.

Cameron Weiskopf

A Syosset High School sophomore and football player who was pulled up to the Varsity for the playoffs.

Jack Newman

A 10th grade Syosset High School student interested in studying sports medicine and a health advocate aiming to raise awareness around concussion safety.

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What they’re saying

“Back then, concussions were graded on a scale from one to three. One was dizziness. Two was blackouts. Three was unconsciousness for more than 30 seconds.”

— Stephen Tozer, Athletic Trainer, Syosset High School

“The shift from grading concussions to monitoring brain function and longevity of symptoms has been, according to Diego Garcia, 'much safer for the high school athlete.'”

— Diego Garcia, Athletic Trainer, Cold Spring Harbor Junior and Senior High School

“Teaching proper hitting and proper tackling became even more of a priority. All contact drills were retaught.”

— Stephen Tozer, Athletic Trainer, Syosset High School

“The emphasis when teaching tackling drills is on keeping the head up.”

— Anonymous, Head Football Coach, Nassau County School

“Because I trust the proper form my coaches have taught me, my risk of injury is at a much lower probability.”

— Cameron Weiskopf, Syosset High School Sophomore and Football Player

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.