Health and Safety, Injuries and Concussion Management

Students will enter 9th grade with no disciplinary or academic record carried over. All violations from the beginning of 9th grade will be considered throughout a student’s Extracurricular / Athletic High School experience, through graduation.

• Parent/guardian and coach notified by Athletic Director
• Suspension from 25% of scheduled contests (including postseason)
• Suspension may carry over to the next season if not completed
• Required completion of an educational/counseling program as directed

Example: Varsity Soccer Season is 16 games + at least 1 postseason contest = 17. No matter when during the season the violation occurs 25% of 17 = 4.25, which will be assessed as a 4 game penalty. If the student is a Dual Sport Athlete, the same rationale will be applied to each individual sport.

• Same notification procedure as above
• Suspension from 50% of contests (including postseason)
• All awards, honors and postseason recognition may be forfeited.
• Required meeting with the Violations Committee to develop a support plan
• Possible community service and mandatory participation in relevant seminars as directed
• Athletes may try out and practice for future seasons but may not compete until penalties are served

• Dismissal from current team and ineligibility for the remainder of the school year, and potentially future years if applicable.
• The Student Athlete will forfeit all awards, honors and postseason recognition.
• Participation in recommended educational programs as directed

Note: The committee's goal is to support struggling athletes in becoming productive team members.

All circumstances and or determined violations not explicitly mentioned or outlined within this Handbook will be at the discretion and determination of Administration.

• Appeals do not delay enforcement of penalties

• All injuries, as well as suspected injuries, must be reported immediately
• Accident reports must be completed by coaches, and submitted immediately
• When applicable, coaches must also complete the concussion checklist
• Return to play requires medical clearance

Clinton CSD follows NYSED and NYSPHSAA concussion protocols. A student with symptoms will be removed immediately from play in order to be assessed. Students who have sustained a concussion must be cleared by the school physician before returning.

Please refer to BOE Policy 5421, 5421-E.1, 5421-E.2, 5421-E.3, 5421-E.4 for more information.

1. The following protocol has been established in accordance with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) guidelines.
2. The information contained below is to be used as a mere guideline to be implemented following a concussive event. The information is not to be considered as all inclusive or all encompassing.

A. When a student shows any signs or symptoms of a concussion:

1. The student should not be left alone. The parent/guardian will be notified and advised of appropriate medical action.
    
2. The student will not be allowed to return to play in the current game or practice. (see below)

B. Following the initial injury, the student must complete these steps:

1. Follow up with their primary care physician or Emergency Department within the first 24 hours (Doctor Visit One). The student must have the initial Physical Evaluation filled out completely, signed and dated when reporting to the School Concussion Management Team (CMT) Leader.
    
2. Follow up with their primary care physician (or a concussion specialist) when asymptomatic for clearance to begin the Return to Play protocol (Doctor Visit Two). The student must have the Second Physician Evaluation filled out completely, signed and dated when reporting to the School CMT Leader
    
3. Return to Play must follow a medically supervised process, including clearance by a physician (Doctor Visit Three) before step five, "Full contact training in practice setting." The student must have the Third Doctor Visit filled out completely, signed and dated when reporting to the School CMT Leader.

The cornerstone of proper concussion management is rest until all symptoms resolve and then a graded program of exertion before returning to sport. The program is broken down into six steps in which only one step is covered per day. If any concussion symptoms reoccur, the athlete should drop back to the previous level and try to progress after 24 hours of rest. In addition, the student should also be monitored for recurrence of symptoms that affect academic performance.

1. No exertion activity until asymptomatic for 72 hrs. (3 days)
2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary bike, etc. No resistance training.
3. Sport specific exercise such as skating, running, shooting, etc.
4. Non-contact training/skill drills.
5. Full contact training in practice setting. (medical clearance required)
6. Return to competition.

Final clearance is at the discretion of the School Physician or Chief Medical Officer even if the player is cleared by another physician.