Concussion Management Guidelines
EASTCHESTER UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
580 White Plains Road
Eastchester, NY 10709
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT SCHOOL POLICY
The Board of Education of the Eastchester Union Free School District recognizes that
concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries 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 a mild traumatic brain injury. 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 a 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 be evaluated as soon as
possible by an appropriate health care professional. The coach/school nurse/administrator or school
physician will notify the student’s parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring and
follow-up.
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 appropriate school
health personnel, such as coach, physical education teacher or nurse, so that the district can support the
appropriate management of the condition.
The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized to do so by an appropriate health
care professional, but in no event shall a student believed to have sustained or who has sustained a mild
traumatic brain injury or concussion return to athletic activity until he or she shall have been symptom
free for 24 hours. The school’s chief medical officer 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 may be removed from play and re-evaluated by a physician.
HEADS UP: CONCUSSION IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
A FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS/ATHLETES
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even a
“ding” or a bump on the head can be serious.
What are the signs and symptoms?
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the
injury or can take days or weeks to appear. If your teen reports any symptoms of concussion, or
if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit
Can’t recall events after hit
Symptoms Reported by Athlete
Headache
Nausea
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish
Felling foggy or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
What should you do if you think your teenage athlete has a concussion?
1. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide
how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your teen to return to sports.
2. Keep your teen out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your teen return to
play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Athletes who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance of having a second concussion.
Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain
damage, affecting your teen for a lifetime.
3. Tell your teen’s coaches, school nurse and physical education teacher about any
recent concussion. Coaches, school nurse and physical education teacher should know if
your teen had a recent concussion in ANY sport. These individuals may not know about
a concussion your teen received in another sport or activity unless you tell them.
Knowing about the concussion will restrict your teen from activities in order to keep
him/her safe.
4. Remind your teen: It’s better to miss one game than the whole season.
IT’S BETTER TO MISS ONE GAME THAN THE WHOLE SEASON.
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
EASTCHESTER UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
580 White Plains Road
Eastchester, NY 10709
Candida Ambroseo, R.N.
Eileen Egan, R.N.
Lisa Massi, R.N.
Middle/ High School Health
Office
(914) 793-6130 ext. 4246/ ext.
4218
(914) 793-0098 FAX
Health Office Injury Return Notification Form
Date_________________
Parent/Guardian of:
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Re: __________________________
It is our understanding that your child sustained the injury of ___________________ on ____________ and that you
were notified and or aware of the injury and that medical intervention was recommended. Your child will, therefore,
be on full restrictions from all physical activities including physical education, clubs that involve physical activity,
recess, intramurals, and interscholastic sports, until our school physician reviews the following information and
determines the student to be eligible.
Interviews with student, parent, school nurse, coach (as applicable)
Previous medical history
Incident Report
Medical information from private physician
Neurologist’s Report
Our school physician will determine the extent to which the student may participate and the actual return date if
known. We will make every effort to review the information in a timely manner. The school physician may ask for
further information from your child’s private physician; however, the final decision to return to full or partial
activity resides directly with our school physician. A gradual Return to Play Protocol will be enforced.
It is our goal to make sure that each student can participate when he/she is ready and the school physician will make
the sole determination of the student’s readiness, based on the above information. Your child’s health is our first
priority. A student will return to full physical activity when authorized by our school physician.
Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter, and we look forward to working together to keep your
child safe and healthy.
Very truly yours,
School Physicians: School Nurses:
Jose Boyer, M.D. Candida Ambroseo Eileen Egan
Jose Boyer, M.D. Candida Ambroseo, R.N. Eileen Egan,
R.N.Matilda Taddeo, M.D. Lisa Massi
Matilda Taddeo, M.D. Lisa Massi, R.N.