South Sioux City High School Concussion Management Policy 2012

GOAL Make it a episode not a incident!

Nebraska Concussion Awareness Act LB260 Education -Parent/Student Athlete -Coach Removal of Athlete Written and Signed Clearance for Return to Play

Education-Parents/Student-Athletes Information must include: A) Signs/symptoms of a concussion B) Risks posed by sustaining a concussion C) Actions taken in response to sustaining a concussion Pre-season meeting for parents and students Hand outs with information Information notification form-filled out prior to participation in activity Access to high school athletic trainer

Education - Coaches Hand outs with information Seminar prior to the start of the school year for all coaches Online class for those not able to attend seminar Access to high school athletic trainer

Removal of Athlete from Play Student-athlete must be removed from participation when presenting with signs or symptoms of a concussion as a result of athletic competition. May not return to participation until evaluated by a health care professional Physician, Neurologist, Athletic Trainer In the concussion management policy the athletic trainer will have the final say in regards to return to participation after clearance from a physician

Written and Signed Clearance Following the designation of a concussion and progression through the return to play protocol, the student will be given a form that needs to be signed by the licensed health care professional and parent/guardian. This will release them for return to activity It must be signed and returned to the athletic trainer by both the health care professional and parent before the athlete is allowed to return to competition.

Additional Components of Policy Continue to ImPact Test – Will not test middle school students or non contact sports unless requested to do so by coach Introduce a form with return to play protocol for documentation purposes to be kept by the athletic trainer or coach Post all information and forms on school website Contact guidance counselors and teachers

Future Considerations Excused absences from school (item that will be studied) Yearly review by athletic trainer and activities director to make sure policy is up to par with research and information on concussions.

Thank You Questions