A concussion “is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body, that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.  This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.”  Concussion and the changes it causes in the brain can lead to symptoms that may affect a student’s cognitive, physical, emotional and sleep functions.  Concussion can occur both on and off the athletic field and can impact an injured student’s abilities for weeks or months.

In 2011, New York passed the Concussion Management and Awareness Act, which takes effect July 1, 2012.  The Act and recent Commissioner’s Regulations outline the actions school districts must take to protect young athletes and care for them after an injury occurs. 

As part of this Concussion and Management Act, school districts must inform and make parents and students-athletes aware of concussions.  (Definition of a Concussion, signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injuries, how mild traumatic brain injuries may occur, and guidelines for return to school and school activities of a pupil who has suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, regardless of whether such injury occurred outside of school)

Below are fact sheets from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on “Heads –Up” Concussion in High School Sports for both parents and student-athletes.  Please read through information carefully and thoroughly.