Gwinnett Student Athletes Required to Sign New Form on Concussions
If Gwinnett County middle and high school students want to play sports this fall, the athletes and their parents will have to sign a new concussion awareness form. Gwinnett is getting ahead of a state law that goes into effect in January. The law requires schools to inform parents on concussion risks and to establish policies on when athletes with a concussion can return to play.
The new form has information on the dangers, signs and symptoms of concussions. It also includes a Georgia High School Association Policy requiring students diagnosed with concussions to receive medical clearance before returning to play. Mike Emery is the director of athletics, student activities and community schools for the Gwinnett County School System.
“This is just one more piece of the puzzle in regards to concussion awareness in making sure kids don’t get back on the field too soon and making sure they don’t suffer academically and socially.”
The form is in addition to a test the district began implementing for athletes six years ago. Under the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing or imPACt test, students receive a baseline score before the season starts. He says if a student suffers a concussion, they must get the baseline score before they’re allowed to return to the field.
The school system isn’t alone. This fall, all Georgia High School Association Members will be required to distribute concussion awareness forms to athletes.
To view or download a copy of the new Gwinnett County Schools concussion awareness form, click here (PDF).
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