STUDENT CONCUSSIONS AND SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST | Administrative Guideline Manual

5340.01 - STUDENT CONCUSSIONS AND SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

Student Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions occur when there is a forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head and causes any change in behavior, thinking, or physical functioning. Concussions are not limited to situations involving loss of consciousness. Some symptoms of a concussion include headache, nausea, confusion, memory difficulties, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.

Parents who inform coaches and teachers that their child is being treated by a healthcare professional for a concussion must provide written clearance from that healthcare professional for full or limited participation in class, practice, activity, or competition. Prior to receiving written clearance from a healthcare professional, students who have sustained a concussion may not participate in any school-related physical activities.

If a concussion is suspected by a teacher or coach, the student will be removed from the class, practice, activity, or game. The student will not be permitted to return to full participation until he or she is evaluated by a healthcare professional experienced in concussion management and receives written clearance for full participation from that professional. Limited physical activity in the physical education context may eventually be permitted, depending on the recommendation of the healthcare professional.

Teachers or coaches who suspect a student has been concussed will record on the Student Accident Form 5340 F1, as soon as possible, all pertinent facts concerning the incident and submit it to the principal's office.

Parents or guardians will be notified about the possible concussion and given information on concussions and the need for medical attention.

Prior to the beginning of each season and pre-season training, coaches shall notify parents, guardians, and student athletes of the fact that written clearance for full participation will be required from a healthcare professional when a concussion is suspected or diagnosed. Information about this guideline will be included in the student handbook.

Coaches and physical education staff will be trained in concussion recognition and response. Specifically, training will include information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, how to obtain proper medical treatment in cases of suspected concussions, and return-to-play standards.

Student Sudden Cardiac Arrest

A student participating in an interscholastic sports activity, cheerleading, marching band, a drama or musical event, or other extracurricular competitive or noncompetitive activity in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, as determined by the Indiana Department of Education, who is suspected of experiencing a symptom of sudden cardiac arrest, as determined by a game official, coach of the student's team, licensed athletic trainer, physician assistant, advanced practiced registered nurse, licensed physician, marching band leader, a drama or musical leader or other official designated by the applicable student's school, while engaged in a sports activity, a performance, a drama or musical event, or a practice for such an activity will be removed from practice, performance or play at the time that the symptom is identified, and the parent or legal guardian of the student will be notified of the student's symptoms (unless the student is at least age eighteen (18) or is an emancipated minor).

A student who has been removed from practice, performance or play may not return to practice, performance or play until the coach/sponsor, marching band leader, drama or musical leader, or other official designated by the applicable student's school has received verbal permission from a parent or legal guardian of the student (or from the student if the student is at least age eighteen (18) or is an emancipated minor) for the student to return to practice, performance and/or play. Within twenty-four (24) hours after giving verbal permission for the student to return to practice, performance and/or play, the parent or legal guardian (or the student if the student is at least age eighteen (18) or is an emancipated minor) must provide the coach, marching band leader, drama or musical leader or other official designated by the school with a written statement that the student has permission to return to practice, performance and/or play. The coach/sponsor, marching band leader, drama or musical leader, or other official designated by the applicable student's school will retain the written permission presented as confirmation of the student's ability to return to the activity.