Concussions

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary, but can include problems with headache, concentration, memory, judgment, balance and coordination.

Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but most concussions do not. Because of this, some people have concussions and don't realize it.

Concussions are common, particularly if you play a contact sport, such as football. But every concussion injures your brain to some extent. This injury needs time and rest to heal properly. Luckily, most concussive traumatic brain injuries are mild, and people usually recover fully.

For more information regarding concussions: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/concussion/DS00320

The Guidelines for Participation in MCAS of Students Diagnosed with Concussions can be found at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/participation/concussions

The NCCES Guidelines are as follows:

P5507.1 - HEAD INJURIES AND CONCUSSIONS

The State of Massachusetts requires all high schools to implement a protocol to comply with the new law regarding sports-related head injury and concussions.

The law mandates that all MIAA schools develop regulations to implement the policies specified in the law including: 1. educating coaches, athletes and their parents about concussions, 2. the documentation of student athlete's past head injuries, 3. requirements for taking a student athlete out of play or practice, and certification for "return to play".

Proposal –Summer 2012: North Central Charter Essential School plan for compliance:

I. EDUCATION:

1. At the mandatory meeting, prior to each season, the athletic director will verbally remind all parents/guardians and students to go online to educate themselves on concussions via the following two websites (text based information will also be available):

i. www.cdc.gov/concussions/signssymptoms or,

ii. http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=15000

1. On the parent consent form to participate in athletics, each parent and student will sign off that they have been made aware of how to obtain the online concussion information or received the text-based concussion information.
2. The athletic department will require all coaches, school nurses, principal and athletic director to take the National Federation of High Schools’ online course annually.
3. COLLECTING HISTORY HEAD INJURIES/CONCUSSIONS:
   1. At the mandatory student athlete meeting, the athletic director will announce that any athletes with prior head injuries need to file the MA DPH Pre-participation Reporting Form with the school nurse.
   2. On the registration form, parents are required to provide any information on previous head injuries.
   3. At the time of a head injury, coaches will record the incident on the MA DPH state form and record it on the NCCES Athletics injury report form.
   4. At the end of the year, the nurse will submit all information collected to the state as required by law.
4. PRACTICE/GAME SITUATIONS:

NCCES coaches will be educated to understand the following new policy for game/practice situations: If a student has suffered, or is suspected of having suffered, a concussion during a game or practice, the student MUST be removed from play. The law is clear that a student who may have signs or symptoms of a concussion may not return to the same game or practice. It also requires that student athletes be certified for return to play by a physician. Documentation must be given to the nurse and the athletic director.