Student Athletic Forms

Introduction

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that impairs the function of the brain. It occurs when the brain moves within the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. What may appear to be only a mild jolt or blow can result in a concussion or other serious brain injury.

The understanding of sports related concussion continues to evolve. Young athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of a concussion. Once considered minor, a concussion can result in short or long term changes in brain function and, in rare cases, death.

What is a Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. There is no such thing as a minor brain injury. Concussions should never be referred to as a “ding” or “bell ringer.” Any suspected concussion must be taken seriously.

An athlete does not need to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion. Less than five percent of concussed athletes lose consciousness.

Concussions primarily affect brain function. The sudden movement of the brain can stretch and damage brain cells, creating chemical changes. The brain becomes more vulnerable to additional injury until fully recovered. Concussions cannot be seen on MRI or CT scans even though the brain is injured.

Recognition and Management

If an athlete shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors of a concussion, they must be removed from play and not return until evaluated and cleared by a health care professional. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Parents, guardians, and coaches are not expected to diagnose a concussion, but must recognize the warning signs and remove the athlete from activity immediately if suspected.

Signs Observed by Staff

• dazed or stunned appearance
• confusion about assignment or position
• forgetfulness
• uncertainty of game, score, or opponent
• clumsy movements
• slow response to questions
• mood, behavior, or personality changes
• inability to recall events before or after the hit

Symptoms Reported by Athletes

• headache or pressure in the head
• nausea
• balance problems or dizziness
• double or blurry vision
• sensitivity to light or noise
• feeling sluggish, foggy, or groggy
• concentration or memory problems
• confusion
• feeling down or not feeling right

When in Doubt, Sit Them Out

1. remove the athlete from play
2. ensure evaluation by a health care professional
3. inform parents or guardians
4. do not allow return to play the same day and until cleared in writing

The signs and symptoms of a concussion may not appear immediately and can develop over time. Athletes should be closely monitored and not left alone.

Danger Signs, Call 911

• one pupil larger than the other
• drowsiness or inability to wake up
• worsening headache
• slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• repeated vomiting or nausea
• convulsions or seizures
• unusual behavior or increased confusion
• loss of consciousness

Management Until Recovery

Rest

Rest is essential for recovery. Athletes should avoid physical and mental activities that require concentration. Loud noises, bright lights, screens, and phones may worsen symptoms. Most athletes need at least 24 to 48 hours of rest.

Return to Learn

Students may experience difficulty in school after a concussion. Academic adjustments may include reduced workload, extra time, and scheduled breaks. A gradual return to school activities is recommended with support from school staff.

Return to Play

No athlete should return to play on the same day as a concussion. Athletes must be symptom free and cleared by a health care professional before resuming activity.

Progressive Return to Play Protocol

1. Return to regular activities: athlete returns to school and daily routines
2. Light aerobic activity: walking or light exercise to increase heart rate
3. Moderate activity: running or sport related movement
4. Non contact training: more intense sport specific drills
5. Full contact practice: controlled practice with contact
6. Competition: return to full competition

If symptoms return at any step, the athlete must stop activity and be reevaluated.

Summary

1. no same day return to play
2. all suspected concussions require medical evaluation
3. written clearance is required before returning to activity
4. return to play must follow a step by step progression

Additional Resources

• Concussion in Sports course by NFHS
• CDC Heads Up Concussion Resources
• REAP Concussion Management Program

This guidance is provided to promote awareness of concussion safety and should not replace consultation with a qualified health care professional.

If a student has a concussion, this form must be signed by a doctor before the student can return to sports.

Concussion Return to Play Form

Tips to help protect athletes from heat risks.

Learn More about Heat Illness Prevention

National Federation of State High School Associations, Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

Skin related infections in both the community setting and the sports environment have increased. Many infections spread through skin to skin contact, shared equipment, towels, or poor hygiene. These guidelines focus on prevention and safe participation in athletics. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Even with proper precautions, infections may still occur, especially in sports with frequent skin to skin contact such as wrestling and football. These guidelines prioritize protecting student athletes.

Tinea Infections, Ringworm, Scalp, Groin

These fungal infections are easily transmitted. Diagnosis may be visual or confirmed through testing.

• treat with topical antifungal medication for at least 72 hours before participation
• continue treatment for at least one week after lesions resolve
• persistent cases may require oral antifungal medication
• non contagious lesions may be covered with a bio occlusive dressing
• scalp infections require at least 14 days of oral medication before return
• groin infections may not require restriction if properly covered
• wash hands after applying medication

Bacterial Infections, Impetigo, MRSA

These infections may require removal from participation and medical treatment.

• infected athletes must be removed from practice and competition
• treatment may include drainage and antibiotics
• return after at least 72 hours of treatment if no drainage or new lesions
• all lesions must be covered and no longer infectious
• team screening should occur if infections are identified
• health department guidance may be needed for multiple cases

Viral Infections, Shingles, Cold Sores

• spread through skin to skin contact
• athletes must be removed from contact if lesions are exposed
• covering lesions is not sufficient for participation
• require 10 to 14 days of treatment for primary outbreaks
• recurrent outbreaks require at least 120 hours of treatment
• all lesions must be scabbed, with no drainage or new lesions for 72 hours

Herpes Gladiatorum

This infection is common in wrestling and spreads through direct contact.

• remove athlete from all contact activities immediately
• seek medical treatment and begin antiviral medication
• minimum of 10 days out for initial infection, longer if symptoms persist
• return only when lesions are healed with no new outbreaks
• recurrent cases require at least 120 hours of treatment
• close contacts should be monitored and may require temporary restriction

Other Viral Infections

• warts are not highly contagious but should be covered if bleeding risk exists
• molluscum contagiosum is contagious and requires treatment
• participation may resume after treatment if lesions are covered

General Guidance

• all infections should be treated seriously
• maintain proper hygiene and avoid sharing personal items
• follow medical guidance before returning to participation

This guidance is intended to support safe participation in athletics and does not replace evaluation by a qualified health care professional.

Parents must sign this form to give consent for students to travel with school groups.

Parental Consent and Release of Liability Form