Concussion Management Program:
High School North
High School South
Community Middle School
Grover Middle School
What is a Concussion?
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that a concussion is defined as “A concussion is defined as a “trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.” NATA reports that “This can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 7 out of 10 emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs and concussions are among children ages 17 and under. All concussions are different depending on the athlete however, knowing the signs and symptoms can help keep our student-athletes safe.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
You do not have to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion, in fact, less than 10% of sport related concussions experience a loss of consciousness. Some common symptoms that you should be aware of include (but are not limited to): headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, confusion, difficulty concentrating or feeling “slowed down.” Other signs and symptoms include memory problems, sensitivity to light, sleeping more or less than usual, dilated pupil(s) and balance problems.
Concussion Management
If a student suffers an injury to the head (either contact or non-contact), coaches will immediately remove that student-athlete from play. At that time, they will be assessed by the Certified Athletic Trainer. If a concussion is suspected, the Certified Athletic Trainer will inform the parent/guardian and refer the student to their physician for a follow-up. Students must be cleared by their physician to return to activity following a suspected concussion.
Return to School & Physical Activity
Once it is recommended that you follow up with your physician due to a concussion, they will provide the student with any academic accommodations that they may require. At that time they must be submitted to the Certified Athletic Trainer and the School Nurse so that the students' teachers can be made aware.
Per NJ state law, only a licensed physician (MD or DO) trained in the evaluation & management of concussions may authorize a student-athlete to return-to-play. The student-athlete is NOT permitted to begin the CDC six-step return to play protocol until the student-athlete receives a medical evaluation and provides the required written medical clearance.
The student-athlete may not begin the CDC's Six-Step Return to Play Progression until the student-athlete receives a medical examination, provides the required written medical clearance, and the medical clearance is approved by the school physician.
Once the Physician clears the student-athlete to return to sport they must submit proper documentation stating that they were seen by the Physician, and they are cleared to return. At that time the Certified Athletic Trainer will begin the Return to Play Protocol. As outlined by the CDC in 2025, this protocol consists of the following:
Day 1: Return to normal activities, such as school and activities of daily living (with no academic accommodations in place)
Day 2: Light aerobic activity. This step is intended to elevate the athletes heart rate
Day 3: Moderate activity. At this step the heart rate will continue to be elevated with activities that change the position of the body and head
Day 4: Heavy, non-contact activity. The athlete will return to practice however, they will only participate in non-contact physical activity.
Day 5: Practice, with full contact activities.
Day 6: Return to full competition
Upon completion of the return to play process the student-athlete will be required to complete a post-injury Concussion Vital Signs (CVS) test, the Certified Athletic Trainer will administer the test and share the results with the Physician for their review.
Concussion Vital Signs (CVS)
Students must complete a baseline Concussion Vital Signs test prior to the first day of practice. Students will not be allowed to participate in practices/games until they have successfully completed a baseline test. Please click here for CVS test instructions for more information on completing your baseline test.