Baseline Testing:
All athletes must complete the concussion baseline testing through the HitCheck app. The purpose of the test is to be used as part of assessment criteria; it is NOT a determining factor of clearance.
Injury Evaluation and Post-Injury Care:
If an athlete sustains a suspected concussion, we will notify the parents/guardians immediately. Home care instructions will be given along with an explanation of the return to sport process. Once a concussion is suspected, an athlete is required by law to follow up with a physician. The athlete will be given classroom and school work accommodations as needed, the concussion management team will track their symptom progress daily, and once appropriate the athlete will begin the Return to Play protocol. Student-athletes must make it through a full day of school with no symptoms and return to normal baseline testing levels before they can begin the return to play protocol. The Return to Play protocol is a 5 phase gradual increase in physical activity each day. This does not mean that the protocol will only take 5 days.
Additional Medical Information:
It is encouraged that an athlete’s first step when experiencing any pain or injury is to be evaluated by the athletic training staff. We can then determine if being seen by a physician is necessary or if we can treat the athlete at the school.
*If evaluated by a physician, the athletic training staff must have paperwork either clearing the athlete or with restrictions/timeline for a return before the athlete can participate in a practice or competition.*
We also encourage athletes who have been prescribed an inhaler, epi-pen, diabetic emergency supplies,
emergency medication, etc., to follow up with the AT staff to ensure we are fully aware of the condition,
and recommend the AT staff keep a “spare” in the athletic training room if extra supplies are available
(this can include contacts). During events all emergency supplies should be accessible to the AT staff or
in the team med kit when traveling.