A concussion is a reaction by the brain to a jolt or force that can be transmitted to the head by an impact or blow occurring anywhere on the body. Essentially, a concussion results from the brain moving back and forth or twisting rapidly inside the skull.

The following protocol has been established in accordance to the Concussion Management and Awareness Act (Chapter 496 of the laws of New York, 2011) and the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Zurich 2008. In addition, it has been fabricated in a collaborative effort with your District’s medical and administrative staff, concussive experts in the Central New York area, the Multi-BOCES Labor Relations & Policy Office, the NYSPHSAA, and Slocum Dickson Sports Medicine.

• A student who has sustained, or is believed to have sustained, a mild traumatic brain injury (also known as concussion) must be immediately removed from participation in athletic activities. Athletic activities, for this purpose, include competition, practices, conditioning, and any other school-sponsored athletic program. In the event there is any doubt as to whether a student has sustained a mild traumatic brain injury, it shall be presumed that the student has been so injured until proven otherwise.
• A student removed from participation in athletic activity may resume participation in athletic activity when the student completes the following steps (in order):
  • Be evaluated by a licensed medical provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) within the 24 hours following the injury (Doctor Visit One). The Student must have the initial Physician Evaluation filled out completely, signed and dated when reporting to the School Concussion Management Team (C MT) Leader.
  • Be symptom free for 24 hours, without the use of medication.
  • Follow-up and be evaluated by a licensed medical provider when asymptomatic (Doctor Visit Two) to be cleared to begin the Zurich Progressive Exertion Protocol (ZPEP). The Student must have the second Physician Evaluation filled out completely, signed and dated when reporting to the School CMT Leader.

Resources

• Board Policy # 7601 – Concussion Management Protocol
• Board Policy # 7601.3 – Return to Play Protocol
• 2023 Guidelines for Concussion Management in the School Setting (via NYSED)
• Student & Parent Concussion Information Sheet (via NYSPHSAA)