Information on concussion management and the appropriate protocol for when a child or adolescent receives one.
ARLINGTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Board of Education of the Arlington Central School District recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activity and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully. Therefore, the District adopts the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.
While district staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur. Physical education teachers, coaches, nurses and other appropriate staff will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion. Any student exhibiting those signs, symptoms or behaviors while participating in a school sponsored class, extracurricular activity, or interscholastic athletic activity shall be removed from the game or activity and be evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate health care professional. The Arlington Athletic Trainers and/or school nurses will notify the student's parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring to parents or guardians.
If a student sustains a concussion at a time other then when engaged in a school sponsored activity, the district expects the parent/legal guardian to report the condition to the school nurse and athletic trainers so that the district can support the appropriate management of the condition.
The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized to do so by an appropriate health care professional. The school's chief medical officer will make the final decision on return to play for interscholastic athletics and may be involved in the return to activity for physical education class if necessary. Any student who continues to have signs or symptoms upon return to activity must be removed from play and reevaluated by their health care provider.
The Superintendent, in consultation with appropriate district staff, including the chief school medical office has developed regulations and protocols to guide the return to activity. These guidelines are outlined in the BOE approved Student Athletic Handbook and on the Athletic Website.
Please read the following articles for more information:
Concussion Home Instructions
NYSED Concussion Policy
Student/Parent Information Sheet
NYSPHSAA Website
