The Board of Education of the Wynantskill Union Free School District recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activity and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully. Therefore, the District adopts the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.
While district staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur. Physical education teachers, coaches, nurses and other appropriate staff will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion. Any student exhibiting those signs, symptoms or behaviors while participating in a school sponsored class, extracurricular activity, or interscholastic athletic activity shall be removed from the game or activity and be evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate health care professional. The school nurse, athletic director or coachwill notify the student's parents or guardians.
If a student sustains a concussion at a time other then when engaged in a school-sponsored activity, the district expects the parent/legal guardian to report the condition to school nurseso that the district can support the appropriate management of the condition.
The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized to do so by an appropriate health care professional. The school's chief medical officer will make the final decision on return to activity including physical education class and after-school sports. Any student who continues to have signs or symptoms upon return to activity must be removed from play and reevaluated by their health care provider.
The Superintendent, in consultation with appropriate district staff, including the chief school medical officer, will develop regulations and protocols to guide the return to activity.
CONCUSSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
OBSERVED SIGNS
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about events
Repeats questions
Answers questions slowly
Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump, or fall
Can’t recall events after the hit, bump, or fall
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows behavior or personality changes
Forgets class schedule or assignments
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Headache or “pressure” in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Fatigue or feeling tired
Blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Numbness or tingling
Does not “feel right”
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
Difficulty thinking clearly
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty remembering
Feeling more slowed down
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Irritable
Sad
More emotional than usual
Nervous