- If a student athlete injures his/her head during practice or a game and
is removed from play by the coach or athletic trainer:- The athletic trainer and/or nurse MUST receive a clearance note signed by a physician before allowing that student to return to physical activity. The signature of a physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or any other medical personnel will not be accepted as per NYS law. We encourage families seeking a clearance note to return to play to visit with their family physician OR with Dr. Belasco, our district medical director.
- If the clearance note provided states that the student was seen by a physician and did not have a concussion, that student may return to full participation after the first 24 hour asymptomatic period.
- If the clearance note provided states that the student was seen and they were diagnosed with a concussion, the athletic trainer will begin the 5-day Return to Play Protocol (RTP) after the first 24-hour asymptomatic period.
- If at any point during the 5-day RTP process, concussion symptoms return, the student must start the RTP process over from the stage they were when the symptoms returned.
- Once the student successfully completes the 5-day RTP process, Dr. Belasco’s final approval is required for the student to return to full participation in athletics.
NOTE : The 5-day RTP Process will be conducted by the district’s Athletic Trainer and will include the
following progression:
- Step 1: Light aerobic activity. Begin with light aerobic exercise only to increase an athlete’s heart rate.
This means about 5 to 10 minutes on an exercise bike, walking, or light jogging. No weight lifting at this
point. - Step 2: Moderate activity. Continue with activities to increase an athlete’s heart rate with body or head
movement. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderate-intensity stationary biking,
moderate-intensity weightlifting (less time and/or less weight from their typical routine). - Step 3: Heavy, non-contact activity. Add heavy non-contact physical activity, such as sprinting/running,
high-intensity stationary biking, regular weightlifting routine, non-contact sport-specific drills (in 3
planes of movement). - Step 4: Practice & full contact. Young athlete may return to practice and full contact (if appropriate for
the sport) in controlled practice. - Step 5: Competition. Young athlete may return to competition.