Student­Athlete Health, Safety, and Concussion Training

TRANSCRIPTS

This training includes information regarding the health and safety of student­athletes. Completion of this online training fulfills requirements set forth by Virginia Code § 22.1­271.5/Virginia Code § 22.1­271.6 and SCPS Policy JJAC regarding concussion education. Both the student­athlete and parent are required to complete the training together and sign the awareness and acknowledgement form. A form must be submitted for each student­athlete. The awareness and acknowledgement form is only available at the end of the training and must be printed, signed, and submitted to the Athletic Director/Athletic Trainer at the student­athlete's school. Completing and submitting this training is also electronically documented. An electronic documentation must occur for each student­athlete and form. If you have any questions or would like transcripts from this training please contact the Athletic Director at your child's school.

Student­Athlete Health, Safety, and Code of Conduct Students involved in interscholastic sports are required to follow Spotsylvania County Public Schools Policy and Code of Student Conduct during all facets of interscholastic sport. Parents and students involved in interscholastic sports are required to follow individual school policy and athletic department codes of conduct during all facets of interscholastic sport. Parents and students involved in interscholastic sports are required to meet all policies, codes of conduct, and health/safety protocols of schools and interscholastic sports. Policies, codes of conduct, and protocol may include: ­ Equipment Safety ­ Concussion Management ­ Hygiene ­ Sportsmanship ­ Emergency Medication ­ Medical Emergencies

Risk Acknowledgement Participation in interscholastic sport involves the risk of serious injury. Students and parents are required to adhere to safety procedures put forth by school policy and personnel on Spotsylvania County Public School property and at away venues in which the student is under care of Spotsylvania County Public School personnel. Participating in interscholastic sport can result in: ­ Physical injury (i.e. sprains, fractures, cuts, bruises) ­ Concussion or traumatic brain injury ­ Medical emergencies (i.e. sudden illness, breathing emergencies) ­ Death Interscholastic Sport Preparation Before participating in interscholastic sports with Spotsylvania County Public Schools students must: ­ Provide a completed VHSL Physical Form to the school ­ Provide a completed Health, Safety, and Concussion Awareness and Acknowledgment Form to the school ­ Have, on­site, any prescribed medication for medical emergencies (i.e. inhaler, epi­pen, glucagon, eyewear) ­ Have any personal safety equipment needed (that is not provided by the school) Emergency Medication The VHSL Physical Form provides two areas to report student need of emergency medication (PART III and PART V). Students with emergency medication listed on the VHSL Physical Form are required to have, on­site, the needed medication in order to participate in interscholastic sport. Medical Emergencies Medical Emergencies can occur during interscholastic sport. Athletes should be treated immediately if the following symptoms occur: ­ Any loss of consciousness ­ Decreasing levels of consciousness ­ Unable to be awakened ­ Breathing irregularity ­ Severe or worsening headache ­ Persistent vomiting ­ Seizures ­ Physical injuries (sprains, fractures, soft tissue injury)

Concussion Education Requirement In accordance with Virginia Codes §22.1­271.5, §22.1­271.6, and Spotsylvania County Public Schools Policy JJAC all parents and students involved with interscholastic sports are required to become educated on sports concussions annually. Please review the following: Student athletes may not participate in interscholastic sports (conditioning, tryouts, practice, or competition) until both the parent and student complete a concussion education training. Parents and students must utilize the in­house or the online Health, Safety, and Concussion Training presented by each middle and high school; a Health, Safety, and Concussion Awareness and Acknowledgement Form will be available after the training. Schools must receive the VHSL Physical Form and the Health, Safety, and Concussion Awareness and Acknowledgement Form together in order for students to participate in interscholastic sports. A separate Health, Safety, and Concussion Awareness and Acknowledgement Form is required for each new school year; May 1st of the current year through June 30 of the succeeding year. All paperwork regarding concussion education will be kept with the student’s VHSL Physical Form and information. Concussions A concussion is a traumatic brain injury which results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. Signs of a Concussion ­ The athlete is dazed, stunned or confused ­ The athlete answers questions slowly ­ The athlete moves clumsily ­ The athlete's behavior or personality changes ­ The athlete suffers memory loss ­ The athlete suffers loss of consciousness Symptoms of a Concussion ­ Headache ­ Nausea

­ Balance problems ­ Dizziness ­ Double or fuzzy vision ­ Feeling sluggish or groggy ­ Concentration or memory issues ­ Confusion ­ Sleep issues If a Concussion is Suspected ­ The athlete will be removed from play ­ The athlete's parents and guardian will be contacted ­ The athlete must be evaluated by a certified health care professional Recovering from a Concussion ­ No physical exertion until symptom free ­ REST ­ Discuss diagnosis with teachers ­ Get plenty of sleep ­ Limit brain stimulation (i.e. computer, TV) Risks of Returning to Play Too Soon After a Concussion ­ Prolonged symptoms ­ Repeat concussions and second impact syndrome ­ Slower recovery ­ Increased chance of long term problems ­ Severe swelling in the brain that can cause death Returning to Learn after a Concussion ­ The athlete must be cleared by a certified health care professional ­ The athlete must provide a "Return to Learn" management plan from a certified health care professional ­ The athlete cannot "Return to Play" until they are cleared and returned to learning at full capacity Returning to Play after a Concussion ­ The athlete must be cleared by a certified health care professional ­ The athlete must be cleared through a "Return to Learn" management plan ­ The athlete will progress through the CDC or another certified "Return to Play" progression Reducing the Risk of Concussions ­ Know and understand the signs and symptoms of concussions ­ Report possible concussion to the coach or parent EARLY

­ Practice proper technique and form of sport specific skills ­ Practice good sportsmanship ­ Wear proper equipment ­ Wear properly fitted equipment and helmets ­ Wear properly fitted mouth guards Athlete Safety It's better to miss one game than the whole season. WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT! More information on concussions and return to play can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/ http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/ http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/return_to_play.html CDC FACT SHEETS FOUND BELOW