Concussion Policy *
The purpose of this policy is to provide information and standardized procedures for persons involved in the prevention, training management and return to activity decisions regarding students who incur head injuries while involved in extracurricular athletic activities including, but not limited to, interscholastic sports, in order to protect their health and safety as required by Massachusetts law and regulations. The requirements of the law apply to all public middle and high schools, however configured, serving grades six through high school graduation. In addition to any training required by law, the following persons shall annually complete one of the head injury safety training programs approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) as found on its website: coaches; certified athletic trainers; trainers; volunteers; school and team physicians; school nurses; athletic directors; directors responsible for a school marching band; employees or volunteers; and students who participate in an athletic extracurricular activity and their parents. Upon the adoption of this policy by the School Committee, the Superintendent shall ensure that DPH receives an affirmation on school district letterhead that the district has developed policies and the School Committee has adopted a final policy in accordance with law. This affirmation shall be updated by September 30, 2013 and every two years thereafter upon review or revision of its policies. The Superintendent shall maintain or cause to be maintained complete and accurate records of the district’s compliance with the requirements of the Concussion Law, and shall maintain the following records for three years or, at a minimum, until the student graduates, unless state or federal law requires a longer retention period: 1. Verifications of completion of annual training and receipt of materials; 2. DPH Pre-participation forms and receipt of materials 3. DPH Report of Head Injury Forms, or school based equivalents 4. DPH Medical Clearance and Authorization Forms, or school based equivalents 5. Graduated reentry plans for return to full academic and extracurricular athletic activities This policy also applies to volunteers who assist with extracurricular athletic activities. Such volunteers shall not be liable for civil damages arising out of any act or omission relating to the requirements of law, unless such volunteer is willfully or intentionally negligent in his act or omission. If a student sustains a head injury or concussion during the season, but not while participating in an extracurricular athletic activity, the parent shall complete the Report of Head Injury Form and submit same to the school nurse. Students who plan to participate in extracurricular athletic activities and their parents must complete and sign the pre-participation medical form prior to each season of participation. The questionnaire will be distributed through the athletic department and may also be obtained in the health office. The questionnaire will be reviewed by the school nurse prior to athletic participation. The school nurse will provide appropriate follow-up when necessary. Annually, students are also required to provide a physical exam to the school nurses’ office. No student shall be medically cleared for extracurricular athletic activities until the school nurse has reviewed both the questionnaire and physical exam. The school nurse shall consult with the school physician as necessary regarding a student’s medical history and or eligibility. NAPS may use a student’s history of head injury or concussion as a factor to determine whether to allow the student to participate in an extracurricular athletic activity or whether to allow such participation under specific conditions or modifications. A NAPS multidisciplinary team will develop a plan for the student’s return to play. This team may consist of athletic trainer, school nurse, school physician, teaching staff, guidance counselor, primary care physician or physician managing the student’s recovery, and parent. The plan shall include the academic recovery plan, any recommendations from the physician and comply with the return to play protocol. Students must be symptom free and medically cleared in order to return to play. I have read and understand the North Andover Public School concussion policy and agree to follow all policies and procedures contained within. Parent Signature