Effective for the 2012-2013 School Year, the Archdiocese of Denver has adopted the following Concussion Policy to be enforced for each athletic season.  Also, all coaches and assitant coaches are required to complete a State of Colorado approved concussion course.  The course needs to be completed before the first practice.  At successfully completing the course, provide a copy the certificate to your school's Athletic Director.  Click the link below to complete this free course.  If you should have any questions, please contact your individual school.

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/Training/index.html

Archdiocesan Policy No. 2190:  Concussion Guidelines

Catholic schools are dedicated to a caring and orderly environment where students are provided safety in a community of faith.  Sports and physical activity are a great way for children and teens to stay healthy and grow in virtue.  Medical researchers have discovered that young athletes, especially children and teens, don’t often recognize their own limitations; especially when they have a concussion.

This policy, based on the Colorado Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act, applies to organized athletic activities for each public and private middle school and high school.  It requires each coach of a youth athletic activity that involves interscholastic play to complete an annual concussion recognition education course.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury--or TBI--caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.  It is a disruption of how the brain works; it is not a bruise to the brain.

While most with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks.  A more serious concussion can last for months or longer. Not giving the brain enough recovery time can be dangerous.

Concussion signs or symptoms include change in the persons behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

The following steps provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are REQUIRED  to be taken by the coach or supervisor whenever an athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body and evidences any of the symptoms or signs of a concussion.

1. Remove the athlete from play immediately.
2. Inform the athlete's parents or guardians about the possible concussion.  Give them the CDC fact sheet on concussion for parents.
3. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional.**
4. Keep the athlete out of play and practice the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, states in writing that the athlete can safely return. The arrangements and cost of the health care provider are the responsibility of the parent.

After a concussed athlete has been evaluated and received clearance to return to play from a health care provider, school officials may allow a registered athletic trainer/coach/athletic director with specific knowledge of the athlete's condition to manage the athlete's GRADUATED RETURN to play.

**"Health Care Provider" means a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicine, licensed nurse practitioner, licensed physician assistant, or licensed doctor of psychology with training in neuropsychology or concussion evaluation and management.