Concussion Management Policy
The Board of Education recognizes that concussions and head injuries are the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. The physical and mental well-being of our students is a primary concern. Therefore the Clarence School District adopts the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of concussion injuries.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). A concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Recovery from a concussion and its symptoms will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management. Concussions can impact a student’s academics as well as his athletic pursuits.
Concussion Management Team
In accordance with the Concussion Management and Awareness Act, the Clarence School District has established a Concussion Management Team (CMT) which is composed of the certified athletic director, the high school nurse, the middle school nurse, the school physician, the certified athletic trainer, and such other appropriate personnel as may be necessary. This CMT shall oversee and implement the school district’s concussion policy and regulations.
Components of the Policy
- The Clarence School System recognizes the potential for head injuries in all school activities, and will ensure that all reasonable precautions will be taken to minimize the likelihood of such injuries happening.
Concussion management handouts will be reviewed with parents and students at the preseason meetings and will be sent home with the permission slip for parental review and approval.The concussion management policy, handouts, and additional material will be on the Clarence Athletic Department website under Concussion Management.
- Each Clarence coach, physical education teacher, school nurse, and certified athletic trainer who works with or provides instruction to students in school-sponsored athletic activities (including physical education class and recess) shall complete a course of instruction every two (2) years in the recognition of concussions and the proper monitoring and referral for appropriate medical care. The instruction can be completed by courses approved by the NYSED.
- Any student exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors suggestive of a concussion while participating in a school-sponsored class, extracurricular activity, or interscholastic athletic activity shall be removed from the game or activity and shall be evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate health care professional. The coach, school nurse, or athletic trainer shall notify the student’s parents/guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring
If a student sustains a concussion at a time other than when engaged in a school-sponsored activity, the Clarence School District expects the parent/guardian to report the condition to the school nurse so that the school can support the appropriate management of the condition.
- Clarence recognizes the importance of the private physician’s care of the student and will do all it can to support any recommendations from the student’s doctor with regard to school activities. The school physician will make the final decision on return to school activities including physical education class and after-school sports.
- The Concussion Management Policy will be reviewed yearly by the Concussion Management Team.