1. SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

2. Recognizing that concussions are a common problem in sports and have the potential for serious complications if not managed correctly, the Board established this policy, J-17. 1.0 Purpose

3. 2.1 Concussions-sometimes called mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. 2.0 Definitions

4. Definitions (continued)  2.2 Confused State- a dazed look, vacant stare, or confusion about what has happened or is happening.  2.3 Memory Problems-can’t remember assignment on play, opponent, score of game, or period of the game; can’t remember how or with whom he or she traveled to the game, what he or she was wearing, what was eaten for breakfast, etc.  2.4 Lack of sustained attention-difficulty sustaining focus adequately to complete a task, a coherent thought, or a conversation.

5. Definitions (continued)  2.5 Speed of brain function-slow response to questions, slow slurred speech, incoherent speech, slow body movements, slow reaction time.  2.6 Unusual behaviors-behaving in a combative, aggressive or very silly manner or just atypical for the individual. Repeatedly asking the same question over and over. Restless and irritable behavior with constant motion and attempt to return to play or leave. Changing position frequently and having trouble resting or finding a comfortable position.

6. Definitions (continued)  2.7 Health care professional- a licensed medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy.  2.8 Neurocognitive assessment- a series of tests that measure how well a person’s brain is functioning, especially in areas of attention, concentration, memory, information processing speed and reacting time.  2.9 Physical exam-an exam conducted by the health care professional that assesses basic life support functions as well as neurological screenings that may include assessing speech for fluency and lack of slurring, eye motion, pronator drift and gait assessment.

7. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can appear immediately or days or weeks after the injury. The signs and symptoms of a concussion may include, but are not limited to the following: 3.0 Procedures

8. 3.1a Signs observed by the coaching staff:  Appears dazed or stunned  Is confused about an assignment  Forgets play  Is unsure of game, sport, or opponent  Moves clumsily  Loses consciousness  Answers questions slowly  Shows behavior or personality changes  Can’t recall events prior to hit  Can’t recall events after hit

9. 3.1b Symptoms reported by the athlete:  Headache  Nausea  Balance problems or dizziness  Double or fuzzy vision  Sensitivity to light or noise  Feeling sluggish  Feeling foggy or groggy  Concentration or memory problems  Confusion

10. 3.2 When a player is suspected of having a concussion, non-health care professionals shall not judge the severity of the suspected injury. The following procedures are to be implemented: Procedures (continued)

11. 3.2 Procedures (continued)  3.2a Remove the player from action. Athletes who exhibit signs or symptoms of concussions shall be immediately evaluated, via a physical exam and neurocognitive assessment, by a health care professional. If no health care professional is available, the athlete shall be referred at once for emergency care and not be allowed to return to action until evaluated by a health care professional.

12. 3.2 Procedures (continued)  3.2b Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional. After a physical exam and neurocognitive assessment by a health care professional, if it is determined the athlete has suffered a concussion, the athlete shall not be allowed to return to action until medical clearance by the health care professional has been granted and then must follow a progression of increased level of activities with provisions for delayed return to action based on return of any signs or symptoms.

13. 3.2b Procedures (continued)  If, after a physical exam and neurocognitive assessment, it is determined by the health care professional that the athlete did not suffer a concussion, the athlete may return to action as deemed appropriate by the health care professional.

14. 3.2 c Procedures  Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussions.

15. 3.3 An athlete who has suffered a concussion and has been cleared for return to action by a health care professional should follow a progression of increased level of activities with provisions for delayed return to action based on return of any signs or symptoms. Procedures (continued)

16. 3.3 Procedures (continued)  3.3a No activity with complete physical and cognitive rest  3.3b Light aerobic exercise (less than 70% of maximum heart rate)  3.3c Sport-specific exercise (drills specific to the athlete’s sport  3.3d Non-contact training drills (more intense sport drills with no contact from other players.  3.3e Full contact practice  3.3f Return to action (normal game play)

17. 3.3 Procedures (continued)  If any symptoms occur during the progression, the athlete should drop back to the previous level and try to complete that level after a 24-hour rest period.

18. 3.4 and 3.5 Procedures  3.4 All coaches and athletic trainers shall receive training in the recognition of signs and symptoms of a concussion and the proper management of suspected concussions.  3.5 All athletes and parents shall be provided information about the signs and symptoms of a concussion and what to do if a concussion is suspected.

19. If any portion of this policy or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application of this policy. Severability