5032 Concussion Management Policy

Introduction
School athletic programs, intramural sports and physical education classes are an important part of the educational experience in the Chappaqua Central School District. It is paramount that the Board of Education insures that these experiences are as safe as possible for our student athletes. We recognize that mild traumatic brain injuries, also referred to as concussions, in young people can have long-term, substantial and devastating impacts. The District shall establish guidelines in an effort to protect our students and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.

Concussion Management Team
The District shall establish a Concussion Management Team consisting of the Director of Physical Education and Athletics, the School District's Medical Directors, a School Nurse, and the Athletic Trainer. The team shall oversee the implementation of any regulations approved by the Superintendent of Schools, including the training of staff, the provision of information to parents, and the utilization of technology, including baseline neurocognitive testing.

Removal from Athletic Activities
Any pupil believed to have sustained or who has sustained a traumatic brain injury will be immediately removed from athletic activities. If there is any doubt as to whether a student has sustained a concussion, it shall be presumed that he/she has until proven otherwise. No student shall resume athletic activity until he/she has been symptom free for at least 24 hours and has been evaluated by and received written and signed authorization from a licensed physician or licensed neurologist.

No student will be allowed to return to play on the same day of a concussion, regardless of the circumstances and shall be made aware that concussions may cause lifetime impairments. Student-athletes who have suffered from multiple concussions during a season will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Those with two (2) concussions will require additional rest and may be held out for the season. Those suffering three (3) concussions in a school year will be disqualified from participating in contact and collision sports until cleared by a neurologist.

For the safety of the student-athlete, the School District reserves the right under New York State Law to ban an athlete from competition regardless of medical clearance. Should a dispute arise the School Medical Directors have the authority to make the final decision on an athlete's return to play.

Training
On a biennial basis, all school coaches, physical education teachers, nurses and athletic trainers shall receive training on recognizing the symptoms of concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries, how such injuries may occur, how to prevent them, and how to implement the guidelines for a student's return to play. Coaches shall be required to meet with team members at the commencement of each season to discuss  the signs and symptoms of concussions and the importance of reporting any such symptoms immediately to the appropriate staff.

Concussion Information and Permission Forms
Head injury information, including return to school and school activities guidelines and the district's Return to Play Guidelines, will be included in the interscholastic sports information and any permission forms given to students signing up for sports.

Adopted by Board of Education March 20, 2012