Concussion Protocol

New York State Concussion Management Awareness Act states that “any student of having a concussion, either based on the disclosure of a head injury, observed or reported symptoms, or by sustaining a significant blow to the head or body, must be removed from the athletic activity and/or physical activity and observed until an evaluation can be completed by a medical provider.”

Symptoms of a concussion include, but are not limited to:

• confusion or appearing dazed
• headache
• dizziness
• double or blurred vision
• sensitivity to light and sound
• nausea/vomiting
• mood changes
• trouble concentrating
• slowed reaction times
• fatigue and amnesia (not remembering the event, or difficulty retaining information)

Students who develop any of the following signs or if the above symptoms worsen, the student must be seen and evaluated immediately at the nearest hospital emergency room:

• Seizures
• Cannot be awakened
• Repeated vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Unable to recognize people or places
• Facial drooping
• Unsteady gait
• Changes in pupil size
• Headaches that worsen significantly

Returning to Play

Students will not be allowed to return to play until they are symptom-free for 24 hours after any head injury and will only be allowed to play if they are symptom-free after provoking exertion with 5 push-ups, 5 sit-ups, 5 knee bends, and a 40-yard sprint that is observed by the coach or athletic director. Gradual return to play will then be instituted as follows:

• Day 1: low-level activity such as walking or riding a stationary bike.
• Day 2: increased aerobic activity, such as a treadmill or elliptical.
• Day 3: begin non-contact sport-specific drills
• Day 4: full contact in a practice setting

If, after day 4, the student is symptom-free, they may return to full participation.

Each injury will be evaluated by the coach, school nurse, or athletic director to determine the plan of care for the student or athlete.

Concussion Management in the Classroom

Students recovering from concussions may experience academic difficulties due to impaired cognitive abilities. Mental exertion and environmental stimulation can aggravate symptoms of concussion. Academic accommodations shall be available to the student with a doctor’s prescription for said accommodations.

Mayfield Central School uses a number of concussion management programs to support our students, including but not limited to IMPACT testing, CDC guidelines, and ACE concussion management.

View more information about Concussion Management by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).