Chippewa Adopts New Concussion Policy for All Athletics

A new policy adopted by the Chippewa Valley school board Monday promises to have an immediate impact on the way middle and high school athletics address concussions and other head injuries among players.  

Proposed as part of an updated Athletic Code of Conduct, Athletic Director Michael Fusco said, “This policy will assist us in providing a clear direction to our coaches, our parents and also to the health care workers that we use to help bring our kids along after they’ve received a concussion.”

The approved policy requires the district begin impact testing on all athletes in grades seven through 12 and develop a standardized clearance form physicians can use when evaluating the condition of student athletes with suspected concussions.

“This policy is trying to clear up any inconsistencies, and make it very clear for student athletes suffering from concussions, what they need to do to play,” Fusco said. 

Impact Testing

Starting this spring, both high schools will begin impact testing all athletes, regardless of sport or season.

“Before the season starts, athletes take a baseline test to measure visual and verbal memory along with processing speed and reaction time,” said Dakota athletic trainer Melissa Vincke.

After a concussion is suspected–and the athlete is removed from play–the student is given a post-injury test and the results are compared to the original baseline test.

“This type of concussion assessment can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athletes’ post-injury condition,” and whether they are ready to safely return to play, Vincke said.

Standardized Clearance

The second part of the policy dictates the use of a standardized form to “clear” student athletes to return to the field or court.

“Being cleared has been very vague in the past and we have struggled with it,” Fusco said. “Physicians and parents are making decisions about whether a student athlete is ready to return, and sometimes physicians are not as up to speed about what a concussion is and the implications.” 

To hold physicians more accountable for their diagnosis, and discourage parents from “doctor-shopping,” the district will now require that athletes with a suspected concussion use a standardized clearance form, rather than an individual doctor’s note.

This form requires a doctor sign off on whether they believe a student athlete is suffering from a concussion and, in doing so, “acknowledge that they recognize the signs of a concussion,” said Dr. James Kehoe, Dakota team physician.

From this point, the student’s doctor will work with the coach or athletic trainer in charge of observing the athlete’s progress in returning to play.

While Fusco said some details of the policy are still being tweaked, he added is pleased that the district is taking such a proactive approach to protecting its student athletes.

“In the recent past, even five years ago, we dealt with only four to six concussions a year, but since the level of awareness has gone up, we’re not even through all three seasons and we’ve seen 15-20 concussions at Dakota. This is an important consideration.”