Policy 3422

The Board recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or death are significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed.

Therefore, all competitive sport activities in the District will be identified by the administration and all appropriate district staff, coaches and team volunteers, will complete training as required in the District procedure 3422P to recognize warning signs and symptoms of concussion and head injury. Additionally, all coaches will comply with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) guidelines for the management of concussions and head injuries.

Consistent with Washington law, the District will utilize guidelines developed with the WIAA and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and their parents/guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury. Annually, the district will distribute a head injury and concussion information sheet to all parents and guardians of student participants in competitive sport activities.

Prior to their first use of school facilities, all private nonprofit youth programs must provide a written statement of compliance with this policy in regard to concussion and head injury with proof of insurance as required by RCW 4.24.660.

 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The Board of Directors further recognizes that sudden cardiac arrest is reported to be the leading cause of death in young athletes.  The board will make available an online pamphlet from the WIAA and the University of Washington medicine center for sports cardiology that provides student athletes, their parents/guardians and coaches with information about sudden cardiac arrest.  The district will maintain a link on its website to the WIAA website where the online pamphlet is posted.

 

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as required in the district procedure. Additionally, all coaches will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of sudden cardiac arrest.

 

 

Cross References:       3412 Automated External Defibrillators

                                       3418 Response to Student Injury or Illness

                                       4260 Use of School Facilities

 

 

Legal References:       RCW 28A.600          Students

                                       RCW 4.24.660          Liability of school districts under contract with youth programs.

 

Management Resources:         2015 June Policy Issue

                                                      2014 August Issue

                                                      2009 August Issue

 

La Center School District

Adoption Date: October 27, 2009;

Revised July 27, 2021