JJIF-R - Management of Concussions and Other Head Injuries Procedures

JJIF-R - Management of Concussions and Other Head Injuries Procedures

These procedures are established for the purpose of meeting obligations of MSAD 35/RSU 35 under state law and Board Policy JJIF governing the management of concussions and other head injuries.  

1. Each year building administration will provide as part of their respective parent-student handbook or by letter informing all parents of the district’s concussion policy. This information will include the policy itself, a list of all school sponsored activities that carries a reasonable potential risk of concussions to participants, the risk associated with concussions and other head injuries, and the dangers associated with continuing to participate when a concussion or other head injury is suspected, the signs and symptoms of concussion and other head injuries, and procedures for:

a. removal from the activity when a student is suspected of having sustained a concussion or other head injury,

b. evaluation, and

c. return to participation in the activity (“return to play”).

2. All parents will sign a statement of acknowledgement that they have read and understand the information.  Students engaging in school sponsored interscholastic athletes will not be allowed to participate without a signed statement of acknowledgement.

3. All staff and volunteers that are involved in overseeing any school sponsored activity listed as having a reasonable potential risk for concussions and other head injuries must be certified in concussion management and undergo annual refresher training.

4. Because of the heightened competitive nature of interscholastic athletic activities, there is a greater risk of concussion and other head injuries. Therefore, all students wishing to participate in these activities must have an up to date and valid baseline cognitive assessment test on record with the school in order to be eligible to participate.

5. Any incident that occurs with a potential for a concussion or other head injury, the student is to be removed immediately from the activity. The immediate trained supervisor will determine if student needs further assessment.

6. For incidents involving non interscholastic athletic activities further assessment will be performed by the school nurse. The school nurse will determine if further medical attention is needed. In cases involving possible concussion, the school nurse will refer the student to a doctor who is qualified and trained in concussion management. The student will be removed from participating in any school sponsored activity that carries a reasonable potential risk for concussion until a written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider, who is qualified and trained in concussion management that the student may participate.   

7. For interscholastic athletic activities further assessment will be performed by the medical personnel assigned to the activity (trainer, game doctor, etc.). The medical person will determine if further medical attention is needed. In cases involving possible concussion the student will be referred to a doctor certified as a concussion specialist.  The student will not be permitted to participate until the following is completed:

a. After the student has gone at least 24 hours symptom free, the student will undergo follow up cognitive assessment testing.

b. Results of cognitive assessment testing will be analyzed by a medical doctor, preferably a certified concussion specialist.

c. The certified concussion specialist will determine if student may return to play or needs further treatment.

d. If further treatment is needed, the student will undergo another cognitive assessment test after treatment for determination if they may return to play.

e. Students cleared to return to play will do so under a five day progressive fitness training overseen by the district’s athletic trainer.

Policy Adopted: February 27, 2013

Policy Revised: June 5, 2024