Board of Education Policy 7515

The Board of Education of the Schenectady City School district recognized concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injures in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activity and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully. Therefore, the District adopts the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.

 Concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury. A concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.

 While District staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur. Physical education teachers, coaches, nurses and other appropriate staff will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with 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 not be allowed to return. The student shall be evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate medical professional. The District will notify the student’s parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring to the parents or guardians.

 The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized to do so by an appropriate medical professional. The Chief School Physician or designee 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 be reevaluated by their health care provider.

 If a student sustains a concussion at a time other than when engaged in a school-sponsored activity, the District expects the parent/legal guardian to report the condition to the school so that the District can support the appropriate management of the condition.

 The District’s Medical Director, in consultation with appropriate District staff, will develop regulations and protocols to guide the return to activity.

 Ref: New York State Concussion Management and Awareness Act (SB 3953-A)