Return to Play Protocol Following a Concussion

The following protocol has been established in accordance to the National Federation of State High Associations and the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prague 2004.

When an athlete shows ANY signs or symptoms of a concussion:

  1. The athlete will not be allowed to return to play in the current game or practice.

  2. The athlete should not be left alone, and regular monitoring for deterioration is essential over the initial few hours following injury.

  3. The athlete should be medically evaluated following the injury.

  4. Return to play must follow a medically supervised stepwise process.

The cornerstone of proper concussion management is rest until all symptoms resolve and then a graded program of exertion before return to sport. The program is broken down into six steps in which only one step is covered a day. The six steps involve the following:

  1. No exertional activity until asymptomatic for seven consecutive days.

  2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary bike, etc. no resistance training.

  3. Sport specific exercise such as skating, running, etc. Progressive addition of resistance training may begin.

  4. Non-contact training/skill drills

  5. Full contact training in practice setting.

  6. Return to competition.

If any concussion symptoms recur, the athlete should drop back to the previous level and try to progress after 24 hours of rest.

The student-athlete should also be monitored for recurrence of symptoms due to mental exertion, such as reading, working on a computer, or taking a test.