The Massapequa School District Athletic Program recognizes that concussions and head injuries are a commonly reported injury in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. The District adopts the Concussion Management guidelines as per the New York State Education Department, the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist in the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.

Any student demonstrating signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion while participating in interscholastic athletic activity will be removed from the game or activity and be evaluated immediately. They will not return to play that day. The Massapequa School District will notify the student’s parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring. Final clearance to return to athletic participation must be obtained from the School District Physician.

The Massapequa School District concussion management team (CMT) consists of the athletic administration, school nurse, athletic trainer, school physician, and/or outside consultants as deemed necessary. The District’s CMT will coordinate concussion management training for all coaches, physical education teachers and school nurses as required by law.

The concussion program consists of the following components:

1. Education – Biennial training for all Massapequa Coaches, Physical Educators, Athletic Trainers and School Nurses.
2. Baseline neurocognitive testing using the ImPACT program for HS student-athletes in their junior year. Students participating in the following contact sports will participate in baseline testing: Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Basketball, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Hockey and Lacrosse.
3. Proper sideline management/guidelines.
4. Proper follow-up on all reported concussions from the CMT.
5. Proper Return-to-Play Protocol/Clearance back to athletics.
6. Concussion Information Permission Form - this form is required for participation in interscholastic athletics and is part of registration on FamilyID.