Concussion and Neurocognitive Testing Policy: In the interest of student safety and well being, the Athletic Department and Health Services will administer the ImPACT test to all students in grades 9 through 12. The ImPACT test is a neurocognitive, computer based exam which provides Wooster and the student’s healthcare provider with a baseline measurement for brain function in the event of a head injury. This is not an IQ test. Scores are not published and are protected as confidential information and used only in the event the student suffers a concussion. It is Wooster School’s policy that any student who is suspected of, has a history of, or is displaying signs and symptoms of a concussion be retested in a timely manner and have that score compared to a baseline score to measure brain function levels. All testing results will be made available to the family and the student’s healthcare provider. Prior to returning to the classroom a student must have be symptom free at rest for 24 hours. Symptoms may include but are not limited to headache, sensitivity to light and/or loud noises, and inability to concentrate.
After taking the ImPACT test students will not be retested again until their junior year. All new students will be tested regardless of Upper School grade in order to obtain a baseline score before participating in athletics.
For those students who suffer a concussion, an ImPACT post-concussion test will be administered as soon as possible after initial injury and then again when symptoms resolve. A student with normal neurocognitive test scores relative to their baseline score can return to school and activities, as long as the student brings with him/her a written letter of clearance from their healthcare provider. For student-athletes to return to sport they must have normal neurocognitive test scores, a note from their healthcare provider and complete the 4-phase return-to-play protocol listed below: (in-season athletes only).
–Day 1- 20 minute walk on treadmill or outside when possible (if symptom free, move to Day 2 supervised by athletic trainer
–Day 2 -20 minute jog on treadmill or outside when possible (if symptom free, move to Day 3) supervised by athletic trainer
–Day 3 -20 minutes of sport specific exercises/drills with the athletic trainer (if symptom free, move to Day 4) supervised by athletic trainer
–Day 4 – Participate in full practice avoiding all contact drills (if symptom free, full return to sport is granted).
Based on research demonstrating that multiple concussions have a negative long-term effect on overall neurocognitive health, Wooster School has established the above approach to prevent a student from returning too early to the classroom, after school activities, and to sports after a concussion. Please note that final responsibility for returning a child to any category of school related activities rests with the School’s Nurse, Athletic Trainer, and/or Medical Director.
After careful review of our concussion protocol, the Athletic Department has determined that it is in the best interest of everyone involved for the concussed student-athlete to be excused from all Wooster sponsored afternoon and evening activities until the student has made a full recovery and progressed through our return-to-play protocol. This includes, but is not limited to, attending practices or games, participating in practices or games (including riding on the bus or van), attending Monday afternoon art classes, evening YRTA meetings, afternoon Newspaper, as well as evening events, such as dances, meetings, coffee houses, etc.
