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October 25. 2012 12:22AM
Londonderry mulls policy on sports concussions
LONDONDERRY — A policy that would require all student athletes and parents to take a course on concussion prevention and care is being considered by the Londonderry School Board.
The board held its second public reading of the policy during its Tuesday night meeting, with the final public reading to take place next month.
If approved, the district athletic department will expand its efforts to educate students, parents and school staff about the risks of concussions and the importance of giving injured athletes the proper time to heal before returning to the playing fields.
Parents and athletes would be required to sign a form stating they’re aware of the new policy before being permitted to play in regular-season games.
In addition, as of next fall, all athletes and parents would be required to participate in the “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” program, a free, online course provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
Coaches are being asked to be aware of situations where young athletes may have suffered a concussion or head injury, and students and parents will be required to report any such incidents to coaches.
Athletes who sustain such injuries during practices or games will immediately be removed from the field and won’t be allowed to return until written medical authorization from a health care provider is received.
This week, board members and administrators discussed the policy’s implications.
Board member Nancy Hendricks applauded the new policy.
“I think any additional steps we can take to protect our kids is certainly appropriate,” she said.
Superintendent Nate Greenberg said the mandatory forms for athletes serve multiple purposes.
“One, it covers us liability-wise: Absent that, the child cannot automatically go back to the sport,” Greenberg said. “There’s a multi-step process before a child is allowed to come back and participate.”
Board member John Robinson questioned the ethics of requiring parents to take a mandatory course.
“I applaud the intent, as I think we should do everything we can to eliminate the danger of brain injuries,” Robinson said. “But as a parent, I’m a bit bothered by the ideas that I must complete a training program before my kid can do something. I don’t mind it being recommended or urged ... but as one school board member, I’m just not sure I have the authority to make parents do something.”
The school board will meet again on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Moose Hill Conference Room at Londonderry Town Hall.
April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.
The board held its second public reading of the policy during its Tuesday night meeting, with the final public reading to take place next month.
If approved, the district athletic department will expand its efforts to educate students, parents and school staff about the risks of concussions and the importance of giving injured athletes the proper time to heal before returning to the playing fields.
Parents and athletes would be required to sign a form stating they’re aware of the new policy before being permitted to play in regular-season games.
In addition, as of next fall, all athletes and parents would be required to participate in the “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” program, a free, online course provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
Coaches are being asked to be aware of situations where young athletes may have suffered a concussion or head injury, and students and parents will be required to report any such incidents to coaches.
Athletes who sustain such injuries during practices or games will immediately be removed from the field and won’t be allowed to return until written medical authorization from a health care provider is received.
This week, board members and administrators discussed the policy’s implications.
Board member Nancy Hendricks applauded the new policy.
“I think any additional steps we can take to protect our kids is certainly appropriate,” she said.
Superintendent Nate Greenberg said the mandatory forms for athletes serve multiple purposes.
“One, it covers us liability-wise: Absent that, the child cannot automatically go back to the sport,” Greenberg said. “There’s a multi-step process before a child is allowed to come back and participate.”
Board member John Robinson questioned the ethics of requiring parents to take a mandatory course.
“I applaud the intent, as I think we should do everything we can to eliminate the danger of brain injuries,” Robinson said. “But as a parent, I’m a bit bothered by the ideas that I must complete a training program before my kid can do something. I don’t mind it being recommended or urged ... but as one school board member, I’m just not sure I have the authority to make parents do something.”
The school board will meet again on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Moose Hill Conference Room at Londonderry Town Hall.
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April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.
