Concussion Protocol

Archdiocesan Policy 2190

Catholic schools are dedicated to a caring and orderly environment where students are provided safety in a community of faith. Sports and physical activity are a great way for children and teens to stay healthy and grow in virtue. Medical researchers have discovered that young athletes, especially children and teens, don’t often recognize their own limitations; especially when they have a concussion.

This policy, based on the Colorado Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act, applies to organized athletic activities for each public and private middle school and high school. It requires each coach of a youth athletic activity that involves interscholastic play to complete an annual concussion recognition education course.

The following steps provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are REQUIRED to be taken by the coach or supervisor whenever an athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body and evidences any of the symptoms or signs of a concussion.

1. Remove the athlete from play immediately.

2. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion. Give them the CDC fact sheet on concussion for parents.

3. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional.

4. Keep the athlete out of play and practice the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, states in writing that the athlete can safely return. The arrangements and cost of the health care provider are the responsibility of the parent.

Each team has a designated concussion representative, the head coach, who has completed a CDC concussion training for coaches. The concussion rep has the right, and the responsibility, to remove any player from practice or a game if they feel that the player has a concussion.

If your child is removed from play, and the concussion representative of the team determines that a concussion is possible, your child may not return to play (practices or games) until clearance is given in writing by a doctor, or a licensed health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion.

Coaches, it is your responsibility to inform me, the Athletic Director, of any player on your team that is being put on concussion protocol. I will then contact the parents via email. Players will not return to play until I receive a written clearance from a doctor.