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Medical management of sports-related concussion is evolving. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research into sports-related concussion in high school athletes. It is the policy of the Manchester School District that student-athletes who are suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play immediately.

The Board of School Committee, in consultation with District coaches, athletic trainers, New Hampshire Medical Institute, school nurses and other District staff, will develop a protocol for management of sports-related concussions. This protocol outlines procedures for District staff to follow in managing concussions and head injuries, and outline school policy as it pertains to returning to play after suffering a concussion or head injury, or after being suspected of suffering a concussion or head injury.

This protocol will be reviewed on a yearly basis, and amended when appropriate, by District staff, including but not limited to, coaches, athletic trainers, and school nurses.

Consistent with the National federation of High Schools (NFHS) and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), the District will utilize recommended guidelines, procedures and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and parents/guardians of the nature and risk and risk of head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.

The District will distribute each season a head injury and concussion information sheet to all parents/guardians of student-athletes in competitive sports activities prior to the student-athlete’s initial practice or competition.

All student athletes involved in collision/contact sports will be required to take a baseline neuropsychological test prior to participation in such sports during their freshman year, then again in their junior year to establish baseline levels of cognitive functioning. When a student-athlete suffers or is suspected of suffering from a concussion, the student athlete will not return to play until they are within the normal range of baseline on post-concussion neuropsychological testing, have written clearance from his/her primary care physician or specialist and written permission from parents/guardians.

Sports to be included in the baseline neuropsychological testing include but may not be limited to, Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, Spirit, Basketball, Hockey, Skiing, Wrestling, Baseball, Lacrosse, Pole Vaulters, Softball.

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as recommended and or provided by NHIAA, New Hampshire Department of Education or other pertinent organizations. All coaches of sport activities will comply with the NHIAA recommended procedures for the management of head injuries.

A student-athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury or other serious injury in a practice or game shall be immediately removed from play. The established protocol will be followed.

The Superintendent or his/her designee will keep abreast of changes in standards regarding concussions, explore staff professional development programs relative to concussions, and will explore other areas of education, training programs.

Administrators and District staff will work to establish a protocol and course of action to ensure the student is able to maintain his/her academic responsibilities while recovering from the concussion.

Legal Reference:

RSA 200:49 Head Injury Policies for Student Sports

RSA 200:50 Removal of Student-Athlete

RSA 200:51, Definitions

Additional Resources:

Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussions Sports

Revised from 3/8/10

Development and Review Athletics and Extra Curricular Committee: 4/9/13

First Reading Coordination: 5/14/13

Second Reading and Adoption by BOSC: 5/29/13