Call it the law of intended consequences. A New Jersey guideline designed to protect student-athletes could actually discourage some people from reporting symptoms.

That’s what medical experts told a sports concussion summit hosted by the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey on Monday. The story appeared in The Record.

The concussion guidelines, adopted by the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, call for athletes to sit at least 12 days after suffering a concussion. Some experts fear the length of the injury time may deter athletes from reporting their symptoms.

“Unquestionably, in some people it will happen,” said Dr. Robert Cantu, one of the nation’s top concussion specialists.