3422 - Student Concussions and Head Injuries

BOARD POLICY No. 3422

STUDENT CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES

The Walla Walla School District Board of Directors recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The board acknowledges that the risk of catastrophic injuries or death are significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed. Therefore, all competitive sport activities in the district will be identified by the administration and all appropriate district staff, coaches and team volunteers will complete training as required in the district procedure to recognize suspicious signs and symptoms of concussion. Additionally, all coaches will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of head injuries and concussions.

Consistent with Washington law, the district will utilize guidelines developed with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and other pertinent information and forms to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and their parents and/or guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.

Annually, the district will distribute a head injury and concussion information sheet to all parents and guardians of student participants in competitive sport activities. The parent/guardian and student must return a signed acknowledgement indicating that they have reviewed and understand the information provided before the student participates in any covered activity. Until this acknowledgement form is returned and on file with the district, the student may not practice or compete.

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as required in the district procedure.

Additionally, all coaches of competitive sport activities will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of head injuries and concussions.

First Reading: December 16, 2014

Adopted by the Board: January 20, 2015