Concussion Protocol
The SP sports medicine team has developed policies and procedures to support the health and well-being of our student-athletes. Our management of a suspected and/or diagnosed concussions is based on best practices and evidence-based research. We coordinate care among physicians, administrators, learning specialists, school nurses, advisors, and teachers to provide a comprehensive approach to the health and well-being of your son. We work with you and your student for a safe and healthy return to academics prior to their return to athletics.
To ensure the safety of our student-athletes, the athletic department requires our coaches to complete concussion awareness training. We utilize the course offered through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s HeadsUP program. This online training provides information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion. The coaches are responsible for completing the course and presenting their certificate of completion prior to the start of their season.
Any student-athlete presenting signs or symptoms of a concussion will be removed from participation for a sideline assessment with a certified athletic trainer. If it has been determined that your athlete has signs or symptoms consistent with a concussion, your son will be kept out of play until a follow up evaluation can be completed by a Licensed Medical Physician. As mandated by best practices and state law, a student-athlete with a suspected concussion must be cleared by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion prior to returning to participation. Following a concussion diagnosis, the treatment protocol is dictated by the physician based on the severity of the injury and nature of the symptoms. Our athletic department policy does not allow for a student-athlete to return to athletics until they have completed their full return to academics.
Our focus during the recovery of any injury is to facilitate a prompt and safe return to academics and athletics. We will communicate throughout the process to bring clarity and prevent frustration in a typically stressful situation. The return to athletics after a concussion follows a gradual progression over the course of stages incorporating aerobic activity, sport specific exercises, and rest. The return to full participation is based on the judgement of the athletic trainer or team physician following the progressive return to play protocol.
Resources:
- Head Injury Signs and Symptoms
- Gradual Return to Play protocol
- CDC HeadsUp Concussion
- XLNTbrain Testing Notice