The Fayette County Board of Education on Monday night adopted a policy addressing the issue of concussions and head injury that can result from extracurricular athletic activities.
The policy adopted by unanimous vote noted that parents or legal guardians at the beginning of each season of any extracurricular athletic activity will be given an information sheet informing them of the nature and risk of head injury and concussion.
The policy notes that a student exhibiting symptoms of a concussion will be removed from the activity and examined by a healthcare provider. If a concussion has been sustained, the student cannot return to full or graduated play until clearance is received by the healthcare provider.
By definition, a healthcare provider includes a physician, another licensed individual under a doctor’s supervision or a certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management.
The policy also notes that coaches, employees and other designated individuals supervising extracurricular athletic activities are expected to use their training, personal judgment and discretion in implementing the policy.
Superintendent Jody Barrow at the meeting said the policy is a result of recent state legislation, adding that current school system procedures mirror the new policy.
