CONCUSSION/HEAD INJURIES POLICY
The Hopkinton School District recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The District understands the importance of educating students, parents/guardians, and school staff about the risks of concussion and the need for careful handling of the post-injury healing process.
Education
The administration will distribute this policy and a concussion/head injury information sheet to all students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff (including coaches). All coaches must participate in concussion awareness training. Student-athletes and their parent/guardian must submit a signed acknowledgement indicating they have reviewed and understand the information provided before being permitted to play in a regular season game.
Baseline Preparation
All student-athletes will be provided with the opportunity to participate in a baseline test (through the school or family physician). Parents/guardians who do not want their son or daughter to participate in a baseline test must sign a form acknowledging their refusal.
Student-Athletes with Suspected Concussions/Head injury
A coach, licensed trainer, or licensed health care provider who suspects that a student athlete has sustained a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall remove the student athlete from play immediately. A school official must notify parents/guardians of the suspected concussion or head injury as soon as possible.
The student-athlete shall not return to play in either practice or a game until he/she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives written medical authorization to return to play. Parents/Guardians must also complete and sign the Hopkinton School District Parental Permission to return to play form. (Note: baseline results are provided to the parents/guardians. Post injury tests will be conducted as requested.)
Students (P-12) with Suspected Concussion/Head injury
A faculty or staff member who suspects that a student has sustained a concussion or head injury shall remove the student from the activity immediately. The faculty or staff member must contact the school nurse as soon as possible. A school official must notify parents/guardians of the suspected concussion or head injury as soon as possible. The student shall not return to full play until he/she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives written medical authorization to return to play Parents/Guardians must also complete and sign the Hopkinton School District Parental Permission to return to play form.
Post Concussion/Head injury
The School District Staff must be mindful of the impact of concussions/head injuries on student learning. In the event that a school official becomes aware of a student’s head injury, the school nurse and student’s teachers will be notified. The school nurse will coordinate educational supports for a student who has suffered a head injury.
First Reading: October 16, 2012
Second Reading: November 6, 2012
Third Reading: January 22, 2013