Concussion Management Protocol
Immediate Care
If a student-athlete exhibits signs and symptoms consistent with a concussion (even if not formally diagnosed), the student-athlete is to be removed from play and shall not be allowed to return to play (game, practice, or conditioning) on that day. The on-site physician or combination of physician and athletic trainers, involved with the athlete’s concussion management will determine subsequent medical clearance. Game officials and coaches also reserve the right to pull an athlete from play if there is suspicion of concussion.
Student-athletes are encouraged to report their own symptoms, or to report if peers may have concussion symptoms. Coaches, parents, volunteers, first responders, school nurse, and licensed athletic trainers, are responsible for removing a student-athlete from play if they suspect a concussion.
Following the injury, the student-athlete should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional with training in concussion management (MD or DO)
[AB 2127, a California state law effective 1/1/15, states that return to play (i.e., full competition) must be no sooner than 7 days after the concussion diagnosis has been made by a physician.]
Return to Play Concussion Form:
Once an athlete has been diagnosed with a concussion, this form must be singed by the appropriate medical provider and returned to the athletic trainer. This form contains instructions for the athletic trainer and no return to play procedures will begin until the athlete is cleared and this form is returned.
William S. Hart Union High School District Concussion Management Policy
**Any student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall not return to activity for the remainder of the day. Medical clearance to return will be coordinated by the physician in conjunction with the licensed athletic trainer.**
Concussion Baseline Testing
In an effort to better identify the cognitive effects of a concussion, along with assist in the diagnoses and management after concussion occur, Saugus High School has instituted the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, widely known as ImPACT. This tool is used in our contact and high-risk sports at Saugus High as a baseline evaluation tool used in the event of a possible traumatic brain injury. Select Saugus High sport teams are ImPACT baseline tested in their freshman and junior years' or following the recovery from concussion injury.
This concussion management tool is used in combination with other evaluation tools to provide individualized neuro-cognitive baseline and post injury assessments. ImPACT results are read and interpreted by Saugus High's athletic trainer or a physician with specialized training in concussion management.
For additional information on concussion policies, management, and education Click Here