Stevensville School District

STUDENTS

Management of Sports Related Concussions

The Stevensville School District recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed. Therefore, all K-12 sport and competitive youth athletic activities in the District will be identified by the administration.

Consistent with guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Federation of High School (NFHS) and the Montana High School Association (MHSA), the District will utilize procedures developed by the MHSA and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, athletic trainers, officials, youth athletes, and their parents and/or guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.  Resources are available on the Montana High School Association Sports Medicine page at: www.mhsa.org; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.hhs.gov; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page at: www.cdc.gov/concussion.

Annually, the district will distribute a head injury and concussion information and sign-off sheet to all parents and guardians of student- athletes in competitive sport activities prior to the student-athlete’s initial practice or competition.

All coaches, athletic trainers, officials, including volunteers participating in organized youth athletic activities, shall complete the training program at least once each school year as required in the District procedure. Additionally, all coaches, athletic trainers, officials, including volunteers participating in organized youth athletic activities will comply with all procedures for the management of head injuries and concussions.

Reference:
Montana High School Association, Rules and Regulations
Section 4, Return to Play

Legal Reference:
Senate Bill 112 (2013 Legislature)

Cross Reference
3415F Student Athlete & Parent/Legal Custodian Concussion Statement

Policy History:
Adopted on: October 8, 2013
Reviewed on:
Revised on: