The Athletic Trainers will adhere strictly to state and UIL rules regarding concussions, and can refer to the National Athletic Trainers Association position statement on concussions for further information. Concussions are defined by the American Academy of Neurology as ‘’trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.’’ 

In the event that a concussion is suspected by an Athletic Trainer, school nurse, coach, or a parent/guardian of the athlete, that individual must be removed from athletic participation and receive clearance from a licensed physician before returning to activity. Also the Athletic Trainer will make contact with all members of the Concussion Oversight Team (other Athletic Trainers, school nurse, and school principals) by email to let them know of the situation.  If academic accommodations are necessary, it will be included in the email at that time.

Once a clearance note from a licensed physician (MD, DO) is received by the Athletic Trainer, the individual will be allowed to begin the UIL-mandated return to play protocol. The UIL-mandated return to play protocol is a 4 day process by which concussed athletes return to athletics in a controlled and monitored setting. 

Day 1 - Light Cardio (15 minute bike ride)

Day 2 - Moderate Cardio (30 minute jog, weight lifting)

Day 3 - Non-Contact practice (Can be run through individual drills)

Day 4 - Full Contact Practice (Can complete practice in its entirety)

Before each day of the return to play protocol is completed, the student will fill out a symptom score sheet. This is to monitor if any of the athlete’s symptoms reoccur. If the athlete has symptoms, they must rest for 24 hours and then try the last day they completed again. If symptoms continue to persist with activity, the student will be referred back to their physician. Return to play days must be supervised by an Athletic Trainer or Nurse. This means that return to play days are completed during the school week, and not over weekends. A student athlete who completes day 4 of the return to play protocol may not participate in a game that same day. They are cleared back to full participation the following day. For example, if a student begins Day 1 of the return to play process on a Tuesday, and completes Day 4 Friday morning, they are not eligible to play in Friday’s game.