Superintendent Weighs in on School Security
For information concerning School Security, please read the community message and article from the Superintendent of Schools.
District Policy 2431.4 - PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES (M)
Please note: No Student Athletes are to take the online ImPACT concussion test unless instructed by a BRRSD school athletic trainer
The Bridgewater-Raritan School District has been utilizing an innovative program for our student-athletes. The program is called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) and is an online computerized exam that the athlete takes prior to the season. We are asking our student-athletes to take the baseline test on their home computers. The system is utilized throughout professional sports, has been mandated in the NHL, and is fast becoming the “Gold Standard” in recognizing and better managing concussion type injuries. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Sports Concussion Program is the founding group of this software. The Bridgewater-Raritan School District performs ImPACT baseline testing in 7th, 9th, and 11th grade (unless the athlete’s first year of participation is in an even year).
The exam takes about 20-25 minutes and is non-invasive. The program is basically set-up as a “video-game” type format. What it is doing is giving the brain a preseason physical of its cognitive abilities. It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, processing speed, and concentration. For example, in one part of the exam, a dozen common words appear one at a time on the screen for about one second each. The athlete is then later asked what words were displayed. It is a simple exam and has gained recognition around the world.
If a concussion is suspected, the test is re-taken at school with one of our certified athletic trainers. The results of the test are used in conjunction with the physical and neuromuscular exam to help determine the extent of the injury and when it is safe to return to play. The information can be used to better determine recovery from a concussion. The information is shared with our team doctor and a sound decision can be made as to when return-to-play is appropriate and safe. If an injury of this nature occurs we will be in contact with you.
ImPACT online test instructions:
To ensure a valid test, please follow these instructions. It is very important that you are able to fully concentrate during the entire test. Poor performance will result in an invalid test and will require a re-take.
Thank you for participating in our Impact Concussion Management Program.
Feel free to contact us if there is any question or concern about your athlete’s ImPACT exam.
Sincerely,
Dave Kennedy, MS, ATC
Amanda Cheshire, ATC
Katie Reynolds, MS, ATC, CSCS, CES
I. Definition
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head or body.
II. Indicators of Concussions and Head Injuries
III. Staff Training
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41:3, the district shall adopt an interscholastic head injury training program to be completed by all coaches, school nurses, school/team physicians, certified athletic trainers and other district personnel, as determined by the Superintendent.
The interscholastic head injury training program must include:
IV. Return to School
A student who has suffered a concussion or head injury is excused from school a minimum of the next two calendar days. A physician’s note is required for return to school. Members of the interscholastic head injury training program or the school nurse, as appropriate, will oversee the student’s return to school and extracurricular activity.
V. Temporary Accommodations for Students with Concussions or Head Injuries
(Requests for these accommodations shall be directed to the school nurse. In addition, student-athletes involved in the interscholastic sports program should consult with the interscholastic training team. See Section VI below.)
Mental exertion increases the symptoms from concussions and affects recovery. Therefore, for recovery, cognitive rest is just as important as physical rest. The student should be monitored for the reoccurrence of symptoms due to mental exertion, such as reading, working on a computer, or taking a test.
Students who return to school after a concussion may need to:
VI. Student-Athletes Involved in Interscholastic Sports
A. Background
Students who participate in an interscholastic sports program and are suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury in practice or competition shall be immediately removed from the sports practice or competition. A student-athlete who is removed from competition or practice shall not participate in further sports activity until he or she is evaluated by a physician or licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions, and receives written clearance.
Implementation of the policy is the shared responsibility of a team consisting of coaches, the Athletic Director, the Athletic Trainer, the school nurse, and the school administration, with the district Medical Officer leading the team.
B. Prevention
C. Protocol When a Concussion is Suspected
When a concussion or head injury is suspected, the following protocol must be followed:
D. Graduated Return to Practice and Competition Protocol
After the student-athlete submits written medical clearance stating that he or she is asymptomatic, he or she may begin a graduated individualized return-to-play protocol, such as the following.
Utilization of available tools such as symptom checklists, baseline, and balance testing is suggested.
If the student-athlete exhibits a re-emergence of any post concussion signs or symptoms once he or she returns to play, he or she will be removed from exertional activities and returned to the school/team physician or primary care physician for evaluation.
If concussion symptoms reoccur during the graduated return-to-play protocol, the student-athlete will return to the previous level of activity that caused no symptoms.
E. Documentation
The DOE Concussion and Head Injury Fact Sheet shall be distributed annually to the parents or guardians of student-athletes. A signed acknowledgement of the receipt of the fact sheet shall be obtained from the parent or guardian of the student-athlete and retained by the school for future reference.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
10 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ
(908) 685-2200
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place , New Brunswick, NJ
(732) 235-7816
Overlook Hospital
Summit, New Jersey
(908) 522-2000
RWJ Sports Physical Therapy and Performance Center
TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 203-5972
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National Athletic Trainers’ Association
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National Strength and Conditioning Association
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New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association
Stop Sports Injuries - Keeping Kids in the Game for Life
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For information concerning School Security, please read the community message and article from the Superintendent of Schools.