Athletics
Concussion Management Protocol
Xaverian High School Concussion Management Policy
Xaverian High School recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children who participate in sports and recreational activities and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully. Therefore, we are adopting the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. A concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from a concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.
While our coaching staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur. Physical education teachers, coaches, school nurse 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 will notify the student’s parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring to parents or guardians.
If a student sustains a concussion at a time other than when engaged in a school-sponsored activity, the school expects the parent/legal guardian to report the condition to the coach as well as the school nurse so that the school 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. Once authorized by an appropriate health care professional the student must complete a “return to play” sequence of events. The return to play protocol is as follows:
Day 1 – Low impact, non-strenuous, light aerobic activity.
Day 2 – Higher impact, higher exertion, moderate aerobic activity. No resistance training.
Day 3 – Sport specific non-contact activity. Low resistance weight training with a spotter.
Day 4 – Sport-specific activity, non-contact drills. Higher resistance weight training with a spotter.
Day 5 – Full contact training drills and intense aerobic activity.
Day 6 – Return to full activities with clearance from the school nurse.
The school nurse 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 principal, in consultation with the appropriate staff, including the school nurse, will develop regulations and protocols to guide the return to activity.
Xaverian
Established in 1957, Xaverian is one of thirteen schools nationwide sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers.
