Interscholastic sports are the focus of the NJ Concussion Law, which requires that school districts have a district-wide concussion policy.
– Cognitive issues seem to take longer to resolve compared to younger children and adults.
– Sometimes student athletes may hide symptoms in order to get back to their sport.
– Student athletes tend to be high achievers and worry about falling behind in their schoolwork.
– When a concussion is suspected the player must be pulled out of practice/competition.
– The player cannot return to sports until a physician states that there is no concussion or the concussion has resolved.
– Prior to beginning the Return to Play Protocol, the player must attend a full day of normal school activities without having any cognitive or physical symptoms.
– The player must complete the Return to Play Protocol.
– Monitor for worsening symptoms in the immediate hours and days after the concussive event.
– Make sure the physician’s recommendations are being followed at home.
– Stay in touch with the school; ask if your school has a concussion management team.
– Check in with your teen about specific symptoms and note the situations when they manifest or worsen.
– Download the Parent’s Guide to Concussion booklet.