Concussion and Head Injury
The Board of Directors recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities.  The Board acknowledges that the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed. 

Therefore, all competitive sport activities in the district will be identified by the administration and all appropriate district staff, coaches and team volunteers will complete training as required in Procedure 3422 to recognize warning signs and symptoms of concussion and head injury. Additionally, all coaches of competitive sport activities will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of head injuries and concussions.

Consistent with Washington law, the district will utilize guidelines developed with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, student-athletes, and their parent(s) or guardian(s) of the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.

The district will include in its eligibility packet the WIAA head injury and concussion information sheet that provides student-athletes, parents/guardians, and coaches with information about head injuries and concussions.

Annually, prior to participating in an interscholastic athletics activity, students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must review the head injury and concussion information sheet and sign a statement documenting their review of this information as part of the district’s clearance process.  This may be combined with the annual sudden cardiac arrest form outlined below. 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest
The Board of Directors further recognizes that sudden cardiac arrest is reported to be the leading cause of death in young athletes. The district will include in its eligibility packet the WIAA Sudden Cardiac Arrest pamphlet that provides student-athletes, parent(s)/guardian(s), and coaches with information about sudden cardiac arrest. 

Annually, prior to participating in an interscholastic athletic activity, students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must review the pamphlet and sign a statement documenting their review of this information as part of the district’s clearance process.    This may be combined with the annual head injury/concussion form outlined above.

Training
The district will also make available an online concussion, head injury, and sudden cardiac arrest prevention program for coaches.  Every two years, prior to coaching an interscholastic athletic activity, all coaches will complete the online program and provide a certificate of completion to the district.

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete district-required training as outlined in Procedure 3422.  Additionally, all coaches will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of sudden cardiac arrest.

Private Use of Facilities
Annually, and prior to their first use of school facilities, all private nonprofit youth programs must provide a written statement of compliance with this policy in regard to concussion, head injury, and sudden cardiac arrest with proof of insurance as required by RCW 4.24.660.

Cross References:
Automated External Defibrillators - Policy 3413
Use of School Facilities - Policy 4260                 

Legal References: 
Students - RCW 28A.600
Liability of school districts under contract with youth programs - RCW 4.24.660

Management Resources: 
Policy News, June 2015
Policy News, August 2009

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: November 16, 2009
Revised by the Board: 10.15
Classification:  Essential