The French American School of New York recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions occur when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from a concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management. Therefore, the School adopts the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries:
While all FASNY staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries will occur. Physical education teachers, coaches, nurses, and other appropriate staff will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with a concussion. Any student exhibiting those signs, symptoms, and behaviors while participating in a school sponsored class, extracurricular activity, interscholastic athletic event, or during recreation will be removed from the game or activity. The coach, school nurse, or division head will notify the student's parents or guardians and recommend the student be medically evaluated. A doctor's written diagnosis and treatment plan will be required upon return to school.
If a student sustains a concussion at a time other then when engaged in a school sponsored activity, the School expects the parent/legal guardian to report the condition to the campus nurse so that the School can support the appropriate management of the condition.
The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized to do so by an appropriate health care professional. The student will need to be re-evaluated by a doctor after symptoms resolve and the family will be required to provide the School with a written retun to activity order at that time. Any student who continues to have signs or symptoms upon return to activity must be removed from play and re-evaluated by a doctor.