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Best Practices: Review concussion policies

Last year, Max's Law (OAR 581-022-0421) went into effect requiring all Oregon school districts to implement concussion management guidelines for student athletes. Coaches must receive annual training in recognizing the symptoms of concussion and must remove any student suspected of having a concussion from play. Students must be examined by a properly trained medical professional and only return to play when 1) all symptoms have resolved, 2) at least one day has elapsed since the injury and 3) the student has obtained a medical release.

Beyond these minimum legal requirements, best practice suggests:

• All school staff, student athletes and their parents should be trained in concussion management.
• Districts should have a clear, district-wide policy with explicit guidelines. Clear policy protects coaches, students and administrators from backlash if unpopular decisions are made.
• An individualized graduated plan should be followed to return a student to full activity.

Concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, even a mild jolt to the head or body, causing the brain to shift in the skull. Research has shown concussions can have devastating consequences if not identified and treated. A concussion affects how the brain works, its function not structure, making it difficult to diagnose except by direct observation of symptoms (it does not show up in an X-ray or MRI). The sudden movement of the brain damages brain cells and creates chemical changes in the brain. These chemical changes result in physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms. Once a concussion occurs, the brain is vulnerable to further injury and it may take three weeks or more to regain normal brain function. Young athletes are particularly vulnerable to effects of concussion and teenagers appear to be more prone to re-injury while the brain is still healing. 

More on concussion management, including an implementation guide with complete information for administrators, coaches, parents and athletes is available from the Oregon Concussion Awareness and Management Program at www.ocamp.org.