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Concussion Management and Awareness Act
New York state requires tackle football programs to provide information about concussions and sub-concussive blows, and the injuries that might occur as a result of such blows, to the parents/guardians of all children participating in tackle football programs. The Schoharie Central School District is providing the following information so that you are aware of the risks of concussion and other brain injuries.
Board Policy #7522 CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT can be found at our BoardDocs website.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is defined as a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Signs observed by parents or guardians
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about events
- Answers questions slowly
- Repeats questions
- Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump or fall
- Can’t recall events after the hit, bump or fall
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows behavior or personality changes
- Forgets class schedule or assignments
Symptoms reported by your child or teen
Thinking and Remembering:
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Feeling more slowed down
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Physical:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems of dizziness
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Numbness or tingling
- Does not “feel right”
Emotional:
- Irritable
- Sad
- More emotional than usual
- Nervous
* Sleep:
- Drowsy
- Sleeps less than usual
- Sleeps more than usual
- Has trouble falling asleep
* Only ask about sleep symptoms if the injury occurred on a prior day.
If a concussion is suspected
If a concussion is suspected, proceed with the following steps:
- Remove child from event
- Refer to Concussion Danger Signs information sheet for immediate medical evaluation
- Evaluate child using Concussion Checklist provided
- Inform parent or guardian
- Refer for medical evaluation if indicated in accordance with the Concussion Checklist
- Continue to monitor child until child is under parental or medical supervision.
- Notify school nurse – File incident report
Communication is the key between athletes, coaches, parents, athletic trainers, school nurse and AD.
If no immediate medical attention is needed
- Remove child from event
- Refer to Concussion Danger Signs information sheet for immediate medical evaluation
- Monitor/Act
- Coach gives copy of Concussion Checklist to School Nurse Suzan Weber
- Mrs. Weber examines athlete the following day
Athletics Links
Athletics Department
Carley Ryan, Athletic Director
Phone: (518) 295-6601
Fax: (518) 295-8161
Return to Play Guidelines
After a concussion has been diagnosed, proceed with the following steps:
- The return to play protocol must be completed at school with the coach and nurse monitoring progress
- Documented medical clearance is required by a medical doctor before the child may return to physical education and/or sports
- The child should not return to physical education and/or sports until the child is totally asymptomatic for a period of 24 hours and cleared by the doctor (including after exercise)
- The child must complete the Return to Play Protocol provided before he or she may return to physical education and/or sports
More Info
- View the State Education Department Office of Student Support Services’ Guidelines for Concussion Management in Schools.
- View NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) concussion information.