When can a student athlete return to play or practice activities?
*Athlete may not return to play or practice on the same day after suffering a concussion.
* Athlete must be evaluated by a health care professional and be cleared before returning to play or practice.
*Once cleared, the athlete may proceed with activities in a step-wise fasion (one step per day) to allow the brain to re-adjust to exertion.
Steps the student athlete must follow after clearance by a medical professional:
If symptoms occur during any of the following steps, the athlete must cease activity and be re-evaulated and cleared by their health care provider.
Step 1-Light exercise. including walking or riding an exercise bike. No weight lifting.
Step 2-Running in the gym or on the field. No helmet or other equipment.
Step 3-Non-contact training drills in full equipment. Weight training can begin.
Step 4- Full contact practice or training.
Step 5-Game play.