HowtotakeConcussionCourse

Legislation (P.L. 2010, Chapter 94) signed on December 7, 2010, mandated measures to be taken in order to ensure the safety of K-12 student-athletes involved in interscholastic sports in New Jersey. It is imperative that athletes, coaches, and parent/guardians are educated about the nature and treatment of sports related concussions and other head injuries. The legislation states that: • All Coaches, Athletic Trainers, School Nurses, and School/Team Physicians shall complete an Interscholastic Head Injury Safety Training Program by the 2011-2012 school year. • All school districts, charter, and non-public schools that participate in interscholastic sports will distribute annually this educational fact to all student athletes and obtain a signed acknowledgement from each parent/guardian and student-athlete. • Each school district, charter, and non-public school shall develop a written policy describing the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussion and other head injuries sustained by interscholastic student-athletes. • Any student-athlete who participates in an interscholastic sports program and is suspected of sustaining a concussion will be immediately removed from competition or practice. The student-athlete will not be allowed to return to competition or practice until he/she has written clearance from a physician.