Head Injuries and Concussion in Extracurricular Activities

The Franklin Public Schools are committed to creating a safe environment for all students participating in athletic activities and are committed to providing a comprehensive approach to the prevention and management of sports-related head injuries within the school district.  It is the policy of the School Committee to comply with the requirements of MGL 111 Section 222 and all other applicable laws and regulations.  

Consistent with these requirements, the following rules will apply:

At or before the start of each sport, or marching band season, all students who plan to participate in extracurricular activities shall complete and submit to the coach, athletic director or band director a current permission form, athletic physical examination form and a signed (MIAA) Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association form.  The physical examination form must include a comprehensive medical history with up-to-date information relative to concussion history, any head, face or cervical spine history and any history of co-existent concussive injuries.  Any student with a history of concussive, head, face or cervical spine injury must provide a current medical clearance and authorization signed by the treating physician to compete in the extracurricular or athletic activity.

Any student, who during a practice or competition sustains a head injury or suspected concussion, or exhibits signs and symptoms of a concussion, shall be removed from the practice or competition immediately and may not return to the practice or competition that day.

The student shall not return to play unless and until the student provides medical clearance by his/her treating physician that the student is symptom-free and medically able to participate in the activity.  The District may seek parental permission to speak with the physician in order to clarify the student’s medical condition and to gather additional information.  The District reserves the right to determine that a student may not safely participate in an athletic activity.

LEGAL REFERENCE:  MGL 111 Section 222; 105 CMR 201.000

REFERENCE:              FPS Procedures and Protocols on Student Head Injuries and

                                      Concussions in Extra-Curricular Activities

Adopted by the School Committee 7/12/11

Reviewed, Revised 1/25/12

Reviewed, Revised 2/7/12

Reviewed, revised 4/3/17