<aside> ⚕️ SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
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A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head or body that disrupts normal functioning of the brain. Concussions are a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally functions. Concussions can cause significant and sustained neuropsychological impairment affecting problem solving, planning, memory, attention, concentration, and behavior.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that 300,000 concussions are sustained during sports-related activity in the United States. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head or body. In order to ensure the safety of student-athletes, it is imperative that athletes, coaches, and parents/guardians are educated about the nature and treatment of sports-related concussions and head injuries. Allowing a student-athlete to return to play before recovering from a concussion increases the chance of a more serious brain injury that can result in severe disability and/or death.
Staff athletic trainers are responsible for the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of head injuries and suspected concussions resulting from head/neck injuries while participating in Wardlaw+Hartridge School sports and/or physical education class. Athletic trainers will be responsible for the safe return to sports of any student-athlete recovering from suspected or diagnosed concussions. Head/neck injuries and/or suspected concussions suffered by Wardlaw+Hartridge School student-athletes while participating at off-campus venues should be evaluated by the host athletic trainer when available. A student who participates in interscholastic athletics and who sustains or is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury shall be immediately removed from practice or competition. The student-athlete may not return to play until he/she has obtained medical clearance in compliance with our policy.
The following components including education, prevention, and treatment of sports-related concussions must be adhered to by those identified.
Parent/Guardians: In order to protect the student-athletes of New Jersey, the NJSIAA has mandated that all student-athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, and staff follow the NJSIAA Concussion Policy. The NJSIAA Concussion Policy is at the bottom of this document. Parents/Guardians must electronically sign the NJ state mandated concussion consent form for their son/daughter to participate in athletics, which is sent out annually via Rank One software to all parents/guardians and is also included at the bottom of this document.
Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents
Student-Athletes: Educational materials are sent to every student-athlete prior to every school year with resources detailing the signs and symptoms of concussion. Student-athletes are encouraged to look out for not only themselves but their teammates as well.
Concussion Fact Sheet for Athletes
Coaches: All coaches must complete a National Federation of State High School Associations online training course for concussion education and management. The course highlights the impact of sports-related concussions on athletes, teaches how to recognize a suspected concussion, and provides protocols to manage a suspected concussion with steps to help players return to play safely after a concussion.
Concussion Fact Sheet for Coaches
Athletics Trainers: Staff athletic trainers must remain current with concussion management continuing education included in licensure requirements.
(could be observed by coaches, Athletic Trainer, school nurse, school physician, family, teammates, etc.)