Implement a concussion management plan in your school district...

Step 1: Develop safe concussion management guidelines

• Remove the athlete from play immediately if a concussion is suspected and do not allow the athlete to return to play that day, or at any time until they have written clearance from a medical professional. Concussion symptoms can take time to appear, sometimes hours or days after the injury occurs.                                                                                                          

• Require written medical authorization before allowing the athlete to participate in practice or games ...from a qualified medical professional and ensure that they are 100% symptom free at rest and during exertion (see below). 

• Follow the international graduated return-to-play guidelines After the athlete receives medical clearance to return-to-play and is 100% symptom-free at rest, it is important that they return to play using gradual return-to-play guidelines.  If symptoms return during exertion, their brains need more time to heal. 

Step 2: Develop a concussion education plan

Washington State's concussion law, known as the Zackery Lystedt Law, became effective in July 2009. These resources provided by the WA Interscholastic Activities Assoc (WIAA), are now utilized by state school districts and non-profit sports organizations and can be used as a guide for any school district:  concussion management guidelines/forms parent/athlete compliance form            CDC's Heads Up to Schools: Know Your Concussion ABC's

Step 3: Make sure to educate all involved

• Coaches need to replace “bell rung” or “ding” with the words “brain injury.” And they should fully understand that if they return a player to the game before their brain has healed, it can lead to a prolonged recovery, or worse. Then they need to pass that knowledge on to their team.
  

• Athletes should be encouraged to speak up about their own symptoms and feel comfortable enough to tell an adult if their teammates are acting abnormally during practice or the big game. Not being able to remember your locker combination isn’t funny…it’s a brain injury.

• Parents need to learn how to recognize the sometimes subtle signs that can be indicative of concussions. These symptoms can appear days or weeks after the injury. No athlete should return to play until they are 100% symptom-free at rest and during exertion, and a medical professional has determined it’s safe.

• School district personnel may be the first to notice that something is awry. A normally diligent student who can’t seem to concentrate in class or who no longer turns in assignments, or a school nurse who notices other signs. (school nurse info coming soon)

Step 4: Consider hiring an athletic trainer

• Athletic trainers save lives...and they are vital to the health and safety of your student-athletes. Don't underestimate the value these highly trained professionals bring to your athletic program. They’re one of the most important members of your team.  Learn more

Step 5: Consider neuropsychological testing

• ... is a good idea under the right circumstances. Computerized neuropsychological testing before an injury occurs can provide valuable information that could help determine a return-to-play schedule for an injured athlete. Many school districts offer this testing to their athletes free of charge through booster clubs or other sources. There are several companies who offer this product: ImPACT   CogState Sport   HeadMinder.  After a head injury, before returning to play, an athlete will be re-tested to see if their results match their pre-injury performance. This information provides trained medical professionals with another tool for diagnosing concussion recovery.  However, this is only one part of the return-to-play decision.