Athletic Information
Ridge Red Devils
Ridge High School has moved to electronic registration and submission of forms for all athletic programs. Students that intend to participate in Winter 2022-23 athletics at Ridge High School are asked to complete the following by October 25th:
Athletic Registration
Step 1. - Register Online via Genesis. (Registration opens October 3, 2022)
Login to your parent/guardian Genesis account and the FORMS tab. Open the Form for Athletic Participation and register for the athletic team/program your child is interested in.
You may also register your child for the Unified Sports Program at Ridge High School.
You may also register your child to use the Fitness Center.
After completing the consents within the form, download, complete and upload the required athletic physical forms as directed below for district review.
If you want to save your work you can click the green "UPDATE ANSWERS" button.
Step 2. - Upload the appropriate Athletic Physical Form(s) to Genesis for review.
The NJ Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Form is required for any student that is registering for interscholastic athletic participation.
The first page, The History Form, is completed by a parent/guardian.
The following pages of the form must be completed by a NJ licensed physician, based on a physical examination that has been done within 365 days of the first tryout/practice.
The form MUST have the physician's original signature and office stamp on the Clearance Page or it will be rejected.
If the exam date is more than 90 days from the first tryout/practice, a Health History Update Form is also required. To be safe, include this form with your submission.
These forms must be downloaded, printed, completed by a parent/guardian and a physician and then uploaded to Genesis for district review.
For Winter 2022-23 participation, the date of exam must be on or after November 20, 2021.
The Health History Update Form is required for any student that has an Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Form on file from a previous season with a date of examination that is within 365 days of the first day of tryouts/practice.
It is also required if you are submitting a new Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Form, based on an exam that is more than 90 days from the first tryout/practice.
To be safe, include this form in your submission.
This form must be downloaded, printed, completed by a parent/guardian and uploaded to Genesis for review.
Please Note: Vision exam results are required as part of the Athletic Pre-Participation Physical Form (APP) submission. If your child has their eyes examined by the physician completing the APP and they documented the vision exam results on the APP, then you do not need to provide anything more. If your child has their eyes examined by someone other than the physician completing the APP Form, please use the Vision Exam Results Form to submit. For example, an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician may complete this requirement. If the examiner has their own form, you may upload that. This is not a prescription, but visual acuity results. Download, print, complete and then upload the form to Genesis for review.
Step 3. Complete IMPACT testing
All incoming Freshmen, Juniors or first time athletes, must complete cognitive testing, known as IMPACT Testing, in order to get medically cleared for athletic participation. (Marching Band and Color Guard members do NOT need to do IMPACT testing). This online examination must be done at home, on a computer. It takes 30-40 minutes to complete. Please see the information on the Ridge Athletics webpages for information on how to login and do the test. http://ridgehigh.bernardsboe.com/sports/cognitive_testing___i_m_p_a_c_t_
Step 4. Check Genesis for Status Updates
Updates to the status of your athletic submission can be viewed on the Athletics Tab on Genesis. Please check your emails for any communications regarding issues with your submission. The earlier you submit your registration, forms and complete IMPACT testing, the sooner the likelihood you will receive medical clearance. Once your child is fully cleared you will see a check mark indicating that he/she is “Cleared for Fall Athletics”: ✅
Information on Getting an Examination
If you need an examination in order to get the forms completed there are a few options:
Contact your private physician to secure an appointment for an athletic physical.
Contact the Ridge High School school physician, Dr. Marc Silberman, at NJ Sports Medicine in Gillette.
Dr. Silberman will be scheduling physicals in his office for students as office hours allow.
There is a fee for the exams which includes completion of forms. Bring a blank form with you.
NJ Sports Medicine 908-647-6464 www.njsportsmed.com
Contact a local urgent care facility to schedule an athletic physical. Make sure that the examiner has completed the NJ State Professional Development Module that allows them to complete athletic forms. Bring a blank form with you for completion.
Some examinations cannot be done, due to insurance requirements, unless it has been a year from the last exam. If that is the case, your choice is #2 or #3 above. While we understand this issue, we are reviewing hundreds of forms and so we cannot guarantee that your forms will be reviewed and cleared if you submit them after October 25, 2022.
Questions?
Ridge High School Athletics Webpage: http://ridgehigh.bernardsboe.com/sports
Questions about registration: Contact Athletic Secretary Judee Schroeder at jschroeder@bernardsboe.com
Questions about the athletic physical: Contact Nursing Coordinator Rita Zarabara at rzarabara@bernardsboe.com
Questions about IMPACT testing: Contact an Athletic Trainer Aimee Mitchell at AimeeMitchell@bernardsboe.com OR Scott Hoagland at SHoagland@bernardsboe.com
Questions about the Unified Sports Program: Tara Cantagallo at tcantagallo@bernardsboe.com
Athletic Training
All email addresses are @bernardsboe.com
Our Trainers
Scott Hoagland, Athletic Trainer, shoagland@
Aimee Mitchell, Athletic Trainer, aimeemitchell@
About Our Athletic Training Program
An Athletic Trainer is an allied health care professional and is recognized as such by the American Medical Association.
We are sports medicine specialists who primarily treat athletically related injuries. Our expertise is in the prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation of sports injuries.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association https://www.nata.org
Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey https://www.atsnj.org
As ATC’s, we work and under the supervision of physicians.
At Ridge High School, Dr. Marc Silberman is our school physician.
The Athletic Trainers Room is located across the hall from the Athletic Office at Ridge High School.
The Role of an Athletic Trainer is:
Prevention of injuries
Recognition/Evaluation of injuries
Management/Treatment/Disposition of injuries
Rehabilitation
Organization & Administration
Any athletic injury should be reported to a Ridge High School Athletic Trainer.
Physician notes related to injury, rehabilitation and return to play should be submitted to an Athletic Trainer.
Cognitive Testing (IMPACT)
IMPACT TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Ridge High School has been utilizing an innovative program for our student athletes. The program is called IMPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). It is an online computerized exam that the athlete takes prior to the season. We are asking our student athletes to take the baseline test on their home computers.
The exam takes about 30-40 minutes and is non-invasive. The program is basically set-up as a “video game” type format. What it is doing, is giving the brain a preseason physical of its cognitive abilities. It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, processing speed, and concentration. For example, in one part of the exam, a dozen common words appear one at a time on the screen for about one second each. The athlete is then later asked what words were displayed. If a concussion is suspected, the test is re-taken at school with one of our certified athletic trainers. The information can be used to better determine recovery from a concussion. If an injury of this nature occurs, we will be in contact with you.
To ensure a valid test, please follow these instructions. It is very important that you are able to fully concentrate during the entire test.
Set aside 40 minutes in a quiet room with no distractions to take the test.
No headphones or cell phone use during the test.
Turn off any televisions, radio or anything else that can produce background noise. AVOID ALL INTERRUPTIONS.
Note the test will begin by asking you background questions called the “demographic” section. The symptom scale is based on how you are feeling at that moment, 6 the worst or 0 least.
There are 6 test sections called “modules.” These include word memory, design memory, Xs and Os, symbol match, color, word match and three letters.
Take your time to read each section’s instructions very carefully. Each module is self-explanatory.
It is common to perform the color word match module incorrectly, PLEASE read that section’s instructions thoroughly.
You must use a standard external mouse. You may not use a finger mouse pad (i.e.: laptop mouse), a Track Mouse, or anything other than a standard mouse.
Minimum computer requirements:
Only use Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, or Firefox 1.5 or above, Safari for the MAC running OSX 10 and above.
Must have Macromedia FLASH PLAYER 8.0 or newer. You can download FLASH PLAYER at www.adobe.com
If you have a pop up blocker installed you must turn it off for the duration of the test.
Close all other programs on your computer before taking the test.
You need a broadband internet connection
To take the baseline test, go to: http://www.impacttestonline.com/testing
Select NJ and then click on “Launch Baseline Test.”
Make certain to select Ridge High School when asked for “school/organization” in the demographic section.
Enter Ridge’s customer ID code: 88A07D3F1B
Your test results are not displayed once you are finished (all results are password protected).
Please do not allow others to take an additional test.
Thank you for participating in our Impact Concussion Management Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for a sport at Ridge HS?
Every student that wants to participate in a sport at Ridge HS must complete the three step registration process. Please see the Athletic Registration Page for information and instructions.
What forms do I need to submit and where do I find them?
Please see our Athletic Registration Page for information on what you need to submit to register and get medically cleared for sports participation. Online registration is preferred. If you prefer to hand in hard copies, forms can be found and downloaded from our FORMS Page. Only original copies will be accepted. We do not accept photocopies, scans or faxed copies of athletic physical forms.
Where do I submit forms?
All hard copies of forms should be submitted to the Ridge High School Athletic Office.
Do I need to have vision exam results documented?
The State of N.J mandates that every student have their vision examined and acuity results documented on the New Physical Packet. Some eye-examiner must document the vision numbers for each eye on the form or they may record results on some other official stationery from their office and it can be attached to the form. We also offer a Vision Exam Results Form that can be used if needed. Just like the physical examination, the vision exam must be done within 365 days of the first practice/tryout.
What are the deadlines for registering/physical form submission?
Student athletes must register and submit all forms 4 weeks prior to the first practice/tryout date. Physical forms must be reviewed by a nurse and then by the school physician. There are no guarantees that we will be able to obtain medical clearance for an athlete that submits forms after the 4 week deadline.
Can I fax or scan physical exam results to school?
Athletic physical forms cannot be faxed or scanned. However, we will accept faxes of all other forms. RHS Athletic Office Fax: (908) 204-1356.
Where can I find the schedules for sports?
Skyland Conference schedules can be found here: www.skylandconferencenj.org
What do I do if my child is not due for an annual physical in time to meet the deadline?
Unfortunately, this happens to a few students due to birthdates and/or insurance restrictions. Your options are to ask your insurance company for a waiver so the exam is covered with your private physician or you can pay for a physical. Ridge High School offers in-house physicals prior to each sport season for your convenience. There is a fee paid directly to the physician. Please see the In-House Physical Page for information. Another option would be to visit a local urgent care facility to have an examination and forms completed. The State of N.J. mandates that student athletes have a physical and receive medical clearance from a school physician prior to participation.
When do I need to do cognitive testing?
Cognitive Testing must be done in freshman and junior years and/or before the first time you register for a sport in high school. It must be done at home, in a quiet environment. Please see the Cognitive Testing Page for information. Participants in Unified Sports do not need to do cognitive testing.
What is UNIFIED Sports and how can I learn more?
Unified Sports® joins people with and without disabilities on the same team. Dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, it was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. Please see the Unified Sports Page for more information.
Where can I learn more about applying for OPTION II?
OPTION II is administered by the Ridge High School Counseling Department. Please see their webpage for information.
Where can I learn when team tryouts start or if there is a team meeting?
Please contact the Head Coach for the sport to learn when the team will hold tryouts or its first practice or a team meeting for interested participants. See the Coaches Directory Page.
How do I register online for a sport?
Log into your Genesis account. Click on "Forms". Scroll down to the tab for the sport season you are registering for and click on the tab. Complete the registration and submit. Please note after completing the registration you will be able to upload your medical paperwork.
What do I need to do if my child sustains an athletic injury?
Any student athlete that sustains an athletic injury should contact an Athletic Trainer to make them aware of the injury. If an athlete sees a medical professional (physician/physical therapist) they should provide documentation (physician note) to an Athletic Trainer stating what the injury is, what restrictions the athlete has and when medically cleared, a physician note stating that the athlete may return to play.
What do I need to do if my child sustains a concussion?
Any athlete that sustains a head injury and/or experiences signs/symptoms of a concussion, will be referred out to a physician. The athlete will be provided with documentation to take to the visit. If/When your child is diagnosed with a concussion, please provide a doctor’s note to the Athletic Trainers.
Athletes diagnosed with a concussion must complete a Return to Play Protocol.
Return to Play Protocol: Your child MUST be symptom free for 7 days. During this time, a post Impact test needs to be done with the Athletic Trainers. Once he/she has completed the 7 days of being symptom free, they will need to do a 5 day exertional protocol with Athletics Trainers.
Athletes can only return to practice and games once the entire protocol is completed and a clearance note from your physician is provided to the Athletic Trainers. The school doctor will also sign off on final clearance to return to competition. Please see Athletic Policies Page.
Policies
Ridge High School Injury Policy
Anytime a student athlete goes to a doctor/is referred to a doctor for an injury/health issue, you MUST provide a related note to the athletic trainers stating any limitations and also stating clearance to participate.
The coach MUST fill out an injury report if a related incident/injury happened during Ridge Athletics so appropriate paperwork can be done by athletic trainers.
All communication related to injuries should be done with the athletic trainers. Coaches are not to be given medical notes.You may share whatever information you feel comfortable sharing about your child’s injury/illness with their coaches but all documentation and communication must come to the athletic trainers.
Ridge High School Concussion Policy
Any athlete that sustains a head injury and/or experiences signs/symptoms of a concussion, will be referred out to a physician. The athlete will be provided with documentation to take to the visit. If/When your child is diagnosed with a concussion, please provide a doctor’s note to the athletic trainers.
Athletes diagnosed with a concussion must complete a Return to Play Protocol.
Return to Play Protocol: Your child MUST be symptom free for 7 days. During this time, a post Impact test needs to be done with the athletic trainers. Once he/she has completed the 7 days of being symptom free, they will need to do a 5 day exertional protocol with athletics trainers.
Athletes can only return to practice and games once the entire protocol is completed and a clearance note from your physician is provided to the trainers.The school doctor will also sign off on final clearance to return to competition.
Sport Specific Booster Club Policy
Please refer to the sport specific booster club policy linked HERE
Heat Acclimatization Policy
The heat-acclimatization period is defined as the initial 14 consecutive days of preseason practice for all student-athletes.
https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-10/heat-acclimatization-policy.pdf
Heat and Humidity Participation Policy
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is utilized at each outdoor practice to provide guidelines for ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration.
Cold Water Immersion Tub Policy
A comprehensive, detailed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for most catastrophic scenarios, including heat injury.
https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-10/cold-water-immersion-policy-2018-19.pdf
Cold Weather Policy
Guidelines on cold weather athletic participation
Lightning Policy
These guidelines provide a policy for making decisions concerning the suspension and restarting of practices and contests based on the presence of lightning or thunder.