1

Chargers Athletic Handbook

Introduction 2

Philosophy for the Student Athlete 2

Standards of Competition 2-3

SMS Sports Activities 3

Athletic Department Financial Structure 3

Problem Solving 4

Roles and Responsibilities 4

Code of Conduct 4

Role of Coach 4

Role of Parent 4-5

Role of Athlete 5

Attendance of Athlete 5

Eligibility 5

Handbook of Catholic Education Policies 6

Equal Playing Time – Parents Page 7

Playing Time 7

Parent/Student Sign-off 9

Southern Springfield Catholic Athletic Conference 10-12

SSCAC General Rules 12-14

SSCAC Basketball Specific Rules 14-15

Concussion Plan 16-17

2

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the St. Mary’s School Athletic Program. The athletic program is designed to

provide many constructive hours of learning, competition, values, and fun for your child. Please

take the time to read this guide carefully.

Participation in any athletic program at SMS is an extension of the school as a whole. Therefore,

participation is not a right. Through dedication, desire, and discipline the athlete earns this

privilege. Without commitment from the athlete and parent to achieve discipline in sports and

academics, our athletic program cannot maintain its high standards.

The SMS Athletic Department and Chargers Club are dedicated to providing for you the best

possible situation. The following information will answer most of your questions. If you need

clarification on any matter, please feel free to contact our Athletic Director. We are here for you.

PHILOSOPHY FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE

A great tradition is not built overnight. It takes a lot of hard work by many people to achieve

success in anything you decide to do. Members of the SMS Athletic Program will be expected

to:

1. Learn to use their leisure time in an athletic environment.

2. Improve and use constructively their unique talents and skills.

3. Develop new recreational interests and skills.

4. Develop positive attitudes toward the betterment of SMS.

5. Increase their knowledge of and skill in functioning as leaders and/or member of a

team.

6. Develop a more realistic and positive attitude toward themselves and others.

7. Develop the skill set necessary to make a HS team and compete at the HS level.

Members of any athletic team have a definite responsibility to contribute to the wholeness of

SMS. Their role in contributing to a tradition, which brings honor to student, school, and

community, is worthy of the best efforts of all concerned.

STANDARDS OF COMPETITION The Athletic Program at SMS is competitive. When you and your child make a decision to

participate, you are making the decision to enter a competitive environment. This includes

competition with other schools as well as within the team itself.

At the third, fourth, and fifth grade levels, the coaches will do their best to provide equal playing

time. At the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels each coach will try to play everyone, but

cannot guarantee the amount of playing time. Each day, game, and situation is different.

It is the duty of the coaches and parents to help the child accept competition and fair play. It is

the belief of the SMS Athletic Department that each child has the opportunity to improve

him/herself through practice and dedication to achieve his/her full potential. Hard work, attitude,

3

and good behavior will earn the athlete a favorable amount of playing time and sense of

achievement.

It is our goal to provide a healthy environment for the children involved and at the same time

maintain a winning spirit, not only for the participating athlete, but the entire school.

Parents should be aware that their child’s attitude towards practice and teamwork as well as

behavior at practices is noted when it comes to playing in a scheduled game.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL SPORTS ACTIVITIES Students at SMS have the opportunity to participate in several sports:

Girls and Boys Cross Country

Girls and Boys Basketball

Girls and Boys Volleyball

Girls and Boys Track and Field

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL STRUCTURE The St. Mary’s Athletic Program does not receive funds from tuition. It operates primarily

through gate and concession revenues and fees.

There are many costs associated with the Athletic program: equipment and uniform

replacement, referees, dues, cleaning supplies, personnel, etc. In order to keep program fees as

low as possible, it is crucial that all parents volunteer as requested and participate in the Athletic

events and fundraisers. Most parents find that these volunteer activities are not burdensome, but

rather a fun and enjoyable way to interact with fellow parents.

Registration fees Fees are charged for each school year. Fees are paid at the time of registration for the sport in

which your child plays. The fees will be as follows:

$25 one-time fee for every family participating in a sport

No family will be turned away because of financial difficulty. Families unable to afford the fees

should speak confidentially with the principal and make arrangements to provide a special

service to offset the fee.

Admission Charge

The common practice for most, if not all, area schools are to charge an admission for basketball

and volleyball games. All adults are charged, including parents. St. Mary’s students are not

charged to attend home games.

4

PROBLEM SOLVING A positive approach to problem solving is necessary in any good organization. Please follow the

guidelines outlined in the Athletic Policy and Eligibility Section. Remember it is important to

talk to the coach FIRST. Parents in the stands can only sympathize with you; they cannot solve

your problem. Make an appointment and get it out in the open. Talking behind the coach’s back

is very counterproductive.

Coaches and parents have the same objective, the well-being of the young athlete. Problems can

arise and it is vitally important to work through them in a positive way. Parents should give

themselves a 24 hour cooling off period before approaching the coach.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Code of Conduct Parents/fans and supporters of the athletic programs may never use abusive language directed at

the referees, players, and coaches from other teams as well as our own coaches.

Parents/fans and supporters of the athletic teams must treat all officials with respect and refrain

from criticizing officials during and after games.

Parents and fans are reminded that their actions reflect upon the reputation of SMS.

The actions of parents and fans must promote good sportsmanship among everyone present.

Any parent or fan disregarding these guidelines shall be asked to leave the gym or playing field.

If the parent or fan disregards the request to vacate the area, the game will not continue until the

person(s) departs. The coaches of both teams will see that these regulations are enforced. Any

parent or fan that consistently violates these regulations will not be allowed to attend games until

determined by the principal or Athletic Director. Any coach refusing to enforce these

regulations shall be suspended temporarily or permanently as determined by the principal or

Athletic Director.

Role of the Coach All of our coaches are volunteers, who give of their time and talent in order to work with

students and support SMS. The coach’s role in the life of an athlete is very important. The

coach is expected to be a role model for his/her students. It is the coaches’ job to be a friend,

disciplinarian, and teacher. This is not often easy. Each coach will work with the Athletic

Director for practice times (gym space) and games. No additional games will be added without

the knowledge of the Athletic Director. Our coaches are held to a high standard by our Pastor

and Administration and appropriate behavior is expected at all times if a coach is going to

represent St. Mary’s School.

Role of the Parent Parents are the main influence on their children. We encourage parents to assist the Athletic

Department in providing the atmosphere which will result in their children’s development of

good attitudes, respect for themselves and others, and self-discipline.

5

Parents of SMS Athletes are required to volunteer by preparing the field and gym, working the

concession stand, or working the gate. Work schedules are prepared and distributed at the start

of each sport’s season.

Role of the Athlete

Much is expected from the Athletes of SMS.

1. Make God a part of your daily lives.

2. Treat all people with respect.

3. Work hard in the classroom.

4. Work hard for your team.

5. Appreciate the talents and materials that God has blessed you with.

6. Show good sportsmanship.

7. Show respect for all teachers, coaches, and officials.

8. Show proper conduct at school and at home.

9. Get into and stay in good physical condition.

Attendance of the Athlete

Absence from school for ½ day or more due to illness will make a student ineligible to

participate in athletic activities for that day. This includes practices as well as games.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

Process

Grades for all classes are checked when grades are posted for the 5 week notices and the

end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Quarter.

On these date, if a student has an “F” in any subject they are ineligible.

Once a student is determined to be ineligible, they will have their grades checked one

week from the day grades were posted. The school will not check grades before that.

At this weekly check, when ALL of their grades are passing they will become eligible.

During this weekly academic monitoring time, if ANY of their grades fall to “failing”

they will remain ineligible. (not just the class they were initially failing)

If a student receives an “F” on ANY of their QUARTER grades, they are ineligible

for TWO WEEKS. This is to give them ample time to accumulate passing grades

for their new Quarter grade.

If a student receives an “F” on any of their Final grade at the end of this school

year, they are ineligible until they pass all of their 1st Quarter classes for the 2019-20

school year.

Consequences:

Ineligibility will last for 1 full week from the day ineligibility is posted. These dates

change throughout the year.

While ineligible, a student cannot attend practices, play in games, or be on the bench of a

game. They can attend games as a spectator.

During this ineligibility time, students may also be required to attend extra academic help

times throughout the regular school day.

6

HANDBOOK OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION POLICIES

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (Section 5560)

5561 Athletics

The purposes of school-sponsored athletic programs are to teach the skills of games, to foster

healthy exercise, to teach fair play, and to give enjoyment to students. Athletic programs which

deny to certain student these opportunities, or that exert undue pressures on students, are

inconsistent with these purposes.

School-sponsored athletic programs are part of the school curriculum and are subject to policies

of the pastor and board as well as to the general administrative responsibilities of the principal of

the school.

Further, school sponsored athletic programs are to be guided by the general curriculum goals of

the school and should in no way detract from the academic and religious goals of the school.

Academic and religious policies and norms for students participating in these programs shall be

established by the pastor (board) and principal and enforced by the principal.

Athletic programs for girls and boys are encouraged.

The following are requirements of elementary school-sponsored athletic programs:

1. Written permission of parents

2. Physical examination within the appropriate school year

3. Proof of medical insurance coverage

4. Competent supervision by qualified adult coaches who understand the sport, child growth

and development, and first aid (coaches must be first aid, CPR certified and complete

concussion protocol)

5. Students shall be grouped into teams on the basis of grade level whenever possible

6. Proper physical conditioning prior to participation in games

7. Appropriate equipment, including properly fitting protective gear, and well-maintained

facilities

8. Reasonable scheduling of practices and games – generally, this would exclude games

requiring substantial travel time on weekdays unless followed by a free day

9. Basketball and volleyball schedules shall not exceed state mandated regular season

games, plus two tournaments (this does not include the end of the year tournament)

10. Athletic schedules shall be approved by the principal

The following practices are prohibited in elementary school-sponsored athletic programs:

1. The denial of play by students who cooperate with coaches through effort and practice

2. The participation of students on more than one team in the same sport, when possible

3. High-pressure contests, excessive publicity, elaborate recognition ceremonies, or

exploitation of children in any manner

7

EQUAL PLAYING TIME – PARENT’S PAGE

The issue of equal playing time is brought to the forefront every year. The blanket statement that

in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade levels we will have equal playing time is not really true. Equal

playing time takes effect if the child attends practice, is obedient in practice and puts out an

effort to learn. We feel it is not right to distribute playing time equally if a child is not doing the

before mentioned while other children are putting out the effort. This is not the message we are

trying to send to the child. We want all students to learn they must earn their playing time. It is

through effort, sportsmanship, and respect to teammates and coaches, not talent that will

determine playing time. In a nutshell, show up for practice, respect your teammates and coaches,

and work hard and you will receive ample playing time.

PLAYING TIME IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT

When students enter high school, your child will be required to compete for a spot just to be on

the team. This is why the 7th and 8th grade levels will introduce more of a competitive

environment and the coaches are NOT required to give each child equal playing time. Playing

time will be distributed on effort, sportsmanship, and talent of the athlete. Everyone should play

in every game, although at the 7th and 8th grade level it may be minimal for some players in some

games. It is up to the coach to determine the time and place. Just to give a child playing time at

certain times is not appropriate if the coach is certain they may fail. For instance, if a basketball

game is tied with under a minute to go and the other team is pressing full court, this is not the

time to play a child with little ball handling skills. Coaches should identify these situations and

adjust the team accordingly. When needed, I expect the coaches to have on the floor the best

team possible to achieve victory. On the other hand, if a game is lopsided either way, I expect the

coach to play as many kids as possible on this level.

BEHAVIOR AND TECHNICAL

SMS and the conference will be taking a hard line on the behavior of athletes. Misconduct will

not be tolerated on any level. Each school will define their own policy regarding this issue.

Below is what SMS has determined as our policy towards on-court misconduct.

1. If a child is issued a technical at any time of a game, that individual will sit the rest of the

half of that game.

2. If a child is issued his/her second technical anytime during the season, they will be

suspended for the rest of that game and the next game.

3. If a third technical is given to the same child then he/she will be required to meet (in the

presence of the coach and parents) with the Athletic Director and Principal for further

disciplinary action.

4. If a player or coach is ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct they will be

ineligible for the next game played by their team and is not allowed to travel or be

present at that next game.

5. Any coach that is found not following the above discipline could also receive the same

penalty.

STANDARD FOR COMPETITION AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE HANDBOOK

The athletic program at St. Mary’s School is competitive. When you and your child make a

decision to participate, you are making the decision to enter a competitive environment. This

includes competition with other schools as well as within the team itself.

8

At the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade levels the coaches will do their best to provide equal playing time. At

the 6th, 7th and 8th grade levels, the coaches have the authority to delegate playing time to

individuals based on attitude, effort and ability. Each coach will try to play everyone, but cannot

guarantee playing time. Each day, game and situation is different.

It is the duty of the coaches and parents to help the child accept competition and fair play. It is

the belief of the SMS Athletic Department that each child has the opportunity to improve

him/herself through practice and dedication to achieve his/her full potential. Hard work, attitude,

and good behavior will earn the athlete a favorable amount of playing time and sense of

achievement.

It is our goal to provide a healthy environment for the children involved and at the same time

maintain a winning spirit, not only for the participating athlete, but the entire school.

Parents should be aware that their child’s attitude towards practice and teamwork as well as

behavior at practices is noted when it comes to playing in a scheduled game.

9

I the undersigned, have read and agree to abide by the rules and regulations

set forth in the 2019-20 St. Mary’s Athletic Handbook and the St. Mary’s

Concussion Plan (pg. 16-17.)

Player’s Name: ________________________________________

Player’s Signature: _____________________________________

Parents Signature: ____________________________________

10

SOUTHERN SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE BY-LAWS

Approved by the Principals November 14, 2012

1) The name of the organization is Southern Springfield Catholic Athletic Conference

(SSCAC)

2) The SSCAC is an affiliation of the Catholic Elementary Schools of the cities of

Collinsville, Edwardsville, Granite City, Highland, Godfrey, Bethalto, Alton, and

Maryville. A school must agree to abide by the By-Laws, Rules and Policies as set forth

by the Diocese of Springfield, the Illinois Elementary School Association and the

SSCAC. Serious violations, as determined by the SSCAC Board may result in the

dissolution of affiliation.

3) The conference will consist of the following schools:

a. Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School – Collinsville

b. St. Boniface Catholic School – Edwardsville

c. St. Mary’s Catholic School – Edwardsville

d. St. Elizabeth Catholic School – Granite City

e. St. Paul Catholic School – Highland

f. St. John Neumann Catholic School – Maryville

g. Holy Family Catholic Grade School – Granite City

h. St. Ambrose Catholic School – Godfrey

i. Queen of Peace Catholic School – Bethalto

j. St. Mary’s Catholic School – Alton

4) Board Format

a. The Board will consist of the Athletic Directors, Principals, Pastors and Elected

Officers.

b. Elected Officers of the Conference will be: President and Secretary.

c. Nominations for officers will be accepted by the current president two weeks

before the first meeting prior to the school year. Elections will be held at the first

meeting prior to the school year.

d. Roles Descriptions/Duties

i. Pastor & Principal

1. Provide liaison and communication with the office of Catholic

Education in Springfield

2. Provide interpretation of Catholic Education Policies and By-Laws

ii. President

11

1. Schedule meetings as needed and notify Athletic Directors and

Principals of each school participating in the conference

2. Call the meetings to order and preside over same

iii. Secretary

1. Take minutes at all meetings and distribute minutes to Athletic

Directors, Principals, and Pastors.

iv. Athletic Director

1. Attend all meetings or have a representative attend in their

absence.

2. Evaluate rules of each sport as submitted by the President.

3. Be responsible for their home gym and equipment.

4. Schedule games for their sports programs.

5. Select and hire IHSA registered officials for their home games.

5) Frequency and Format of Meeting

a. The President shall notify all board members of the meeting scheduled for the

Board

b. The President shall set the meeting agenda and distribute to all Athletic Directors,

Principals, Pastors and Elected Officers prior to the scheduled meeting date.

c. New Business – All matters of new business should be submitted to the President

in writing prior to the meeting date.

d. All Athletic Directors and Elected Officers are urged to attend all meetings.

6) Decisions of the Board

a. When voting, a quorum shall consist of three quarters of the voting members.

Voting members will be the Athletic Directors from each school or their

representative (one vote per school)

b. All decisions are approved by the conference Principals before any resulting

action takes place.

7) Responsibility of Schools – the following are League requirements of elementary school-

sponsored athletic programs

a. Abide by the Diocesan educational policies and the SSCAC rules and regulations

b. Require all volunteers to complete a background check and participate in

Protecting God’s Children workshop

c. The following shall be obtained prior to any student participating in any practice

or game:

i. Liability waiver signed by the parents or guardians

ii. A certificate of physical fitness by a licensed physician, date of certificate

must be within one calendar year of the student’s participation in sports

d. Provide competent supervision by qualified adult coaches who understand the

sport, child growth and development, and some knowledge of first aid

12

e. Students shall be grouped into teams on the basis of grade level whenever

possible

f. Promote proper physical conditioning prior to participation in games

g. Require that students have proper fitting protective gear and uniforms

h. Procure appropriate equipment and provide a well maintained facility

i. Maintain a reasonable schedule of practices and games

j. Coordinate a yearly coaches’ clinic

8) Amendments to SSCAC By-Laws

a. The SSCAC By-Laws will be in effect for the period of one (1) year without

change. Consideration for change must be presented to all board members in

writing

b. Any amendment to the SSCAC By-Laws, Rules and/or Policies shall only be

permitted if authorized by the SSCAC Board.

9) Violation of conference By-Laws and general rules will be reported to the Principals who

will determine consequences.

Southern Springfield Catholic Athletic Conference By-Laws

General Rules

1) The purpose of the school-sponsored athletic programs are to teach the skills of the game,

to foster healthy exercise, to teach fair play, to give enjoyment to the students, and to

instill a good Christian sports ethic. All athletic programs are open to boys and girls, and

all are encouraged to participate.

2) The conference can offer the following sports:

a. Baseball/Softball

b. Volleyball

c. Basketball

d. Track

e. Soccer

f. Tennis

3) Any individual having concerns relating to the SSCAC must first submit their concerns in

writing to the appropriate person(s) at their school. If further discussion or action is

necessary, the Principals or the Athletic Director of your school will contact the President

of the SSCAC.

4) Every effort should be made to ensure that teams are of appropriate size. There should be

adequate numbers to avoid forfeits, provide substitutes, and yet provide reasonable

playing time for all players. It may become necessary to include another grade level if

numbers are small or split the team if numbers are too large. A player may be added to

the permanent roster anytime during a season as long as that player is not on the roster of

another team in the SSCAC. It may become necessary to temporarily add players to avoid

forfeit or to field a reasonably sized team. A player may be brought up a grade level but

13

may never play down a grade level, unless prior approval is granted by the coaches of

both teams. The Principal must be notified in advance of any player moving down a

grade level. All participating players in any SSCAC league sanctioned event must be

registered students at the school they represent. It is the intention of the SSCAC to

provide the opportunity for all the students to participate.

5) Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as the following:

a. Fighting, verbal abuse/dissent directed toward an official or opponent, racial or

ethnic slurs, profanity/obscene gestures, flagrant/violent fouls, taunting/trash

talking/baiting, cheating, throwing/abusing equipment, physical intimidation or

abuse of an official or opponent, and unauthorized leaving of the team bench.

b. A coach who is ineligible for a contest due to a suspension for unsportsmanlike

conduct may not travel with the team to the game or attend the game.

c. Any player, coach or bench personnel ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike

conduct shall be ineligible for the next game played by their team.

d. A player or coach ejected from a game may not play or coach another game

scheduled for the same evening, example: if a player/coach is ejected from the 7th

grade game that player/coach may not play/coach the 8th grade game scheduled

for the same evening. Furthermore, whenever the next 7th grade and 8th grade

game is scheduled, the player/coach would have to sit out the 7th grade game but

would be eligible for that evening’s 8th grade game.

6) Basketball schedules shall not exceed state mandated regular season games, plus two

tournaments. The conference tournament and state tournament are not counted against the

two tournament rule.

7) Volleyball schedules shall not exceed state mandated matches, plus two tournaments. The

conference tournament and state tournament are not counted against the two tournament

rule.

8) The SSCAC will sponsor a conference tournament at the conclusion of regular league

play for eighth grade only. The conference tournament will be held at sites on a rotating

basis as agreed upon by the Athletic Directors. Tournament seeding will be based on the

league standings at the end of the season. In case of a tie, comparative records will be

used to determine the seeding. The following comparisons will be used to determine

placement:

a. The number of basketball games or volleyball matches, won or lost

b. The number of basketball games or volleyball matches won or lost head to head

between those two teams with an identical record.

c. In volleyball, the point difference in the aforementioned matches in, head to head,

between those two teams with an identical record

d. A flip of the coin

9) Basketball players may not play more than 6 quarters a night. There is no limit on other

sports.

14

10) In volleyball, matches will have a sixty (60) minute time limit unless playing a third

decisive game. During the finals there is no time limit for matches.

Southern Springfield Catholic Athletic Conference By-Laws

League Specific Rules for Basketball Boys and Girls

Rule #1 – Game:

Eighth (8) Grade games will consist of four (7) seven-minute quarters, with intermission of one-

minute after the first and third quarters, six (6) minutes between halves and ten (10) minute

warm-up period between games. An effort will be made to keep the game to one (1) hour in

duration.

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh (5, 6 and 7) Grade games will consist or four (6) six minute quarters,

with intermission of one-minute after the first and third quarters, six (6) minutes between halves

and ten (10) minute warm-up period between games. An effort will be made to keep games to

one (1) hour in duration.

If a game is tied at the end of regulation play; fifth and sixth (5 and 6) grade games will use up to

two (2), three (3) minute overtime periods to determine a winner of the game. If no winner is

determined at the end of the overtime periods the game will end in a tie. Seventh and eighth (7

and 8) grade games will use as many three (3) minute overtime periods as necessary to determine

the winner of the game.

5th boys and girls and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls’ teams will use a women’s (28.5 inch)

basketball.

6th, 7th and 8th grade boys’ teams will use a men’s (29 inch) basketball.

Rule #2 – Defensive Procedures:

Seventh and eighth (7 and 8) grade teams are allowed to press the opposing team throughout the

game.

Sixth (6) grade teams are allowed to use a full court press during the final two (2) minutes of

each half and the last one (1) minute of overtime periods.

Fifth (5) grade teams may press the last one (1) minute of each half and the last one (1) minute of

overtime periods. Fifth (5) and sixth (6) grade teams’ defense must stay behind the volleyball

line until the offensive team crosses the mid-court line.

15

In all grades, a team may not press of they have a lead of fifteen (15) or more points. If the lead

drops below ten (10) points then the press can be implemented.

Rule #3 – Free Throws:

Free throws for all basketball leagues are awarded if a player is fouled in the act of shooting, or

on and after the seventh (7) team foul (bonus situation).

Two free throws are awarded on and after the tenth (10) team foul (double bonus).

Fifth and sixth (5th and 6th) grades are allowed up to a twelve (12) inch extension beyond the free

throw line to allow for momentum after the shot. Release of the ball must occur prior to stepping

over the free throw line.

Rule #4 – Playing Time:

Playing time for fifth and sixth (5th and 6th) grades is based on equal playing time. However,

equal playing time may be affected by missing practices, games, and/or general lack of effort.

Seventh and eighth (7th and 8th) grade teams do not require equal playing time.

Rule #5 – Game Time:

All games will begin at the scheduled game time, provided the any team shall be allowed a ten

(10) minute grace period if they do not have 5 players. The rule does not apply in the event of

overtime in the prior games.

Rule #6 – Officials:

Two officials will be supplied for each game whenever possible. If no official can be found for a

particular game, that game will be cancelled and rescheduled if possible.

Rule#7 – Final Authority:

Unless specified above the final determination of legal play or rules shall be governed by the

Official IHSA Rule Book.

These rules have been approved by SSCAC Athletic Directors – 9/13/09

16

St. Mary’s Catholic School Concussion Plan

Concussion Team

1. Alex Pulido – Principal

2. Chris Erwin – Athletic Director

3. Don Ehrman – Assistant Athletic Director

Concussion Symptoms

Physical Cognitive Emotional Sleep Headache Feeling mentally

foggy

Irritability Trouble falling

asleep

Dizziness Feeling slowed

down

Sadness Sleeping more than

usual

Balance difficulties Difficulty

concentrating

Nervousness Sleeping less than

usual

Nausea/Vomiting Difficulty

remembering

More emotional

than usual

Drowsy

Fatigue Difficulty focusing Altered sleep

schedule

Sensitivity to light

Sensitivity to noise

Visual changes

Return to Learn Protocol

A. Once an administrator, teacher or coach has been made aware of the possibility of a

concussion or that a student is displaying concussion-like symptoms, the student must be evaluated

by a licensed healthcare professional and documentation must be provided to the school.

B. The student will not be able to participate in physical activities until that documentation is

received.

C. If the student has been diagnosed with a concussion, regardless of the severity, the team

will meet to determine the implementation of the Return to Learn process.

D. The information on the doctor’s note will be taken into consideration for the planning of

the Return to Learn process.

E. The Case Manager will communicate the plan to the parents and the students.

F. The protocol emphasizes allowing the student to participate in school in a graduated and

modified fashion so symptoms do not worsen. Determining what is too much, will be fluid and by

trial and error.

G. The student will be given adequate time to complete missing assignments as determined

by the administration.

H. If at any point in the Return to Learn Process, the student displays regression, they may be

pushed back to any of previous phases. This will be determined by the Concussion Team and

communicated to the students and parents.

17

Return to Learn Phases

A. Phase 1: No School & No Physical Activity

i. Student experiences high level of symptoms and the focus is on brain and body rest

B. Phase 2: Part-Time School with Accommodations i. Symptoms have decreased to manageable levels

ii. Re-introduction to school on a limited basis with limited tasks.

iii. Accommodations

1. Limit or eliminate “screen time”

2. Limit or eliminate sustained reading

3. Provide student with a copy of class notes

4. Homework load based on symptoms

a. No due dates on homework

b. Focus on material that is essential for learning the subject

c. Allow student to leave class a few minutes early

d. No physical activity (gym or PE)

e. Make list of student work (list 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc.)

C. Phase 3: Full-Day Attendance with Accommodations

i. Student’s symptoms are decreased in occurrence and severity. Some activities may still trigger symptoms

ii. Gradually increase demands and work, as long as this does not trigger symptoms.

iii. Accommodations

1. Continue to prioritize assignments

2. Continue to list assignment for student

3. Gradually increase amount of homework

D. Phase 4: Full-Day Attendance without Accommodations

i. Student may have no symptoms or mild and infrequent.

ii. Accommodations are removed and student participates fully with no symptoms.

E. Phase 5: Full School and Extracurricular Involvement i. No symptoms are present during any school involvement.

ii. Before returning to physical activity, student must provide documentation from a

licensed healthcare provider that allows student to participate in all physical activities