List of 4 items.

• Athletic Removal from Practice and/or Contest Due to Injury

  The athletic trainer is responsible for the care and treatment of injuries sustained while participating in LJCDS athletics. They will care for the athlete from the initial injury until the athlete is ready to return to play. The athletic trainer is responsible for determining when it is safe and in the student-athlete’s best interest to return to participation. As a result, the athletic trainer maintains the authority to hold the athlete from participation and recommend examination by a physician.

• Pre-participation Examination

  Pre-participation physical examinations conducted by a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) are required by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and LJCDS for athletic participation. These examinations are required for all Grade 7-12 students, regardless of whether they play a sport.
  
  The physical exam must be conducted after May 1 to be valid for the upcoming year. The completed forms must be submitted to LJCDS before the start of athletics practices or by August 1 for a student to attend classes.
  

• Concussion Information

  A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth—causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull.
  
  

  This sudden movement of the brain can cause stretching and tearing of brain cells, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
  
  

  A concussion can have a serious effect on a young, developing brain. While most children and teens with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have concussion symptoms that last for days, weeks, or even months.
  
  

  Not giving the brain enough time to heal after a concussion can be dangerous. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain heals from the first, usually within a short amount of time (hours, days, weeks), can slow recovery or increase the chances of long-term health problems. These may include changes in how the child or teen thinks, feels, and acts, as well as their ability to learn and remember.
  
  

  While rare, a repeat concussion can result in brain swelling or permanent brain damage. It can even be fatal.
  
  

  Resource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  
  

• Concussion Policy

  LJCDS follows CIF regulations and California State Law to ensure student-athlete safety during athletic participation.

  
  

  Suspected Concussion

  Any Middle or Upper School athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion is not allowed to return to athletic activity that day. To return to athletic activity in the future, the athlete must bring back a physician's note stating that a head injury was not sustained.

  
  

  The concussion can be suspected by a coach, athletic trainer, athletic director, nurse, or referee. CIF also requires that the athlete be seen by an M.D. or D.O. trained in concussions and working in their scope of practice. This means that the athlete cannot be seen by a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant.

  
  

  Confirmed Concussion

  When an athlete sustains a head injury or concussion:

  • They must complete a seven-step return-to-play progression (seven plus days after being symptom-free) 
  • They must have made a complete return-to-learn before they start the return-to-play progression
  • A designated concussion monitor must sign off on every step of the progression.
  • Even if an athlete brings a note stating that he or she is cleared to play, the progression must be completed and signed before the athlete is cleared for participation at LJCDS.

  
  As the coach and athletic trainer cannot monitor every move of every athlete, it is the student-athlete's responsibility to read, understand, and report any symptoms of a concussion.