Marist Concussion Management Policy
Seven Steps to a Safe Return to Play Post Concussion*
The athlete should spend a minimum of one day at each step before advancing to the next. If symptoms re-occur, the student must stop the activity and contact their athletic trainer. Depending upon the specific type and severity of the symptoms, the student may be told to rest for 24 hours and then resume activity one-step below where he or she was when the symptoms occurred. Graduated return applies to all activities including sports and PE classes.
* From the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. Br J Sports Med 2017; 51:838-847.
For more information: NFHS Parents-Guardians Guide to Concussion [PDF]
- Complete Cognitive and Physical rest. This may include staying home from school, limiting school hours, or other academic accommodations for several days. Activities requiring concentration and attention may worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
- Light aerobic exercise: This step cannot begin until athlete has received clearance by treating physician for athletic activity. Light exercise may consist of walking or riding an exercise bike at low intensity. No weight-lifting or resistance training.
- Return to School Full Time.
- Sport-Specific Exercise: Sprinting, dribbling. No helmet or equipment. No head impact activities.
- Non-contact training drills: More complex drills in full equipment. Weight training or resistance training may resume.
- Full contact practice or training: Participate in normal training activities. This step cannot begin until you are symptom-free, back to ImPACT baseline, and cleared by your physician for further activity.
- Unrestricted Return-to-Participation/full competition.
The athlete should spend a minimum of one day at each step before advancing to the next. If symptoms re-occur, the student must stop the activity and contact their athletic trainer. Depending upon the specific type and severity of the symptoms, the student may be told to rest for 24 hours and then resume activity one-step below where he or she was when the symptoms occurred. Graduated return applies to all activities including sports and PE classes.
* From the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. Br J Sports Med 2017; 51:838-847.
For more information: NFHS Parents-Guardians Guide to Concussion [PDF]
