Southold Concussion Guidelines and Protocols
ImPACT Testing
ImPACT provides computerized neurocognitive assessment tools and services that will be used by Southold UFSD to assist them in determining an athlete's ability to return to play after suffering a concussion.
Prior to participating in any interscholastic sport a student athlete must have a completed ImPACT baseline concussion test on file. The baseline tests have to be retaken every 2 years to remain current.
Once a student athlete has been diagnosis with a concussion, a post-concussion ImPACT test must be administered as part of the return to play protocol.
Post Concussion Management Procedures
Return to play/practice: Returning to play/practice following a concussion involves a stepwise progression once the individual is symptom free. There are many risks to premature return to play/practice including: a greater risk for a second concussion because of a lower concussion threshold, second impact syndrome (abnormal brain blood flow that can result in death), exacerbation of any current symptoms, and possibly increased risk for additional injury due to alteration in balance.
No student athlete shall return to play/practice while symptomatic. Students are prohibited from returning to play/practice the day the concussion is sustained. If there is any doubt as to whether a student has sustained a concussion, it should be treated as a concussion.
Once the student is symptom free at rest for 24 hours and has a signed release by the treating clinician, she/he may begin the return to play/practice progression below (provided there are no other mitigating circumstances).
For interscholastic athletics, clearance must come from the school medical director. Such authorization must be kept in the pupil’s permanent heath record. Schools shall follow directives issued by the pupil’s treating physician.
Cognitive Rest: Activities students should avoid include, but are not limited to, the following:
Computers and video games
Television viewing
Texting
Reading or writing
Studying or homework
Taking a test or completing significant projects
Loud music
Bright lights
Students may only be able to attend school for short periods of time. Accommodations may have to be made for missed tests and assignments.
Physical Rest: Activities students should avoid include, but are not limited to, the following:
Contact and collision
High speed, intense exercise and/or sports
High risk for re-injury or impacts
Any activity that results in an increased heart rate or increased head pressure
Return to Play Protocol: once symptom free for 24 hours and cleared by School Medical Director:
Day 1: Low impact, non strenuous, light aerobic activity.
Day 2: Higher impact, higher exertion, moderate aerobic activity. No resistance training.
Day 3: Sport specific non-contact activity. Low resistance weight training with a spotter.
Day 4: Sport specific activity, non-contact drills. Higher resistance weight training with a spotter.
Day 5: Full contact training drills and intense aerobic activity.
Day 6: Return to full activities with clearance from School Medical Director and a completed ImPact post-concussion test.
Each step should take 24 hours so that an athlete would take approximately one week to proceed through the full rehabilitation protocol once they are asymptomatic at rest and with provocative exercise.
If any post concussion symptoms occur while in the stepwise program, then the student should drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and try to progress again after a further 24-hour period of rest has passed.