Wachter Athletics

Overview

• Philosophy

• Physicals

• Eligibility

• Risk

• Sportsmanship

• Concussions

• Website

• Fall Sports Meetings

Philosophy

• Participation• Athletic Skills -

Fundamentals• Teaching Life

Skills

Physicals

• Must have a physical every year

• Forms should be downloaded and filled out prior to going to the appointment

Eligibility Policy

• Scholastic

• Attendance

• Suspension or Expulsion

Eligibility (Cont.)

• Tobacco, Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations

• Currently Participating Penalty

• Non-Participating Penalty (Includes Summer)

Eligibility (Cont.)

• INTERVENTION, EDUCATION AND EVALUATION

• SPECIFIC STANDARDS

Eligibility (Cont.)

BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS

• Respect for Others

• Dress and Grooming

• Travel

• Citizenship

Risk Awareness

• Must watch “Know the Risks”

• Must read Code of Conduct Sheet and sign it and return it to the office

Sportsmanship Policy

• Good sportsmanship is a primary goal of the athletics programs at Wachter Middle School.

• Fans and spectators are expected to show good sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship PolicyCode of ConductStudent-Athlete• Show respect at all times for

coaches, opponents, and game officials.

• Accept decisions of the contest officials.

• Avoid offensive gestures or language.

• Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.

• Follow the rules of the games

Sportsmanship PolicyParents/Spectators• Avoid criticism of game officials

and sideline coaching which may side track the athletes from their performance.

• Stay off the playing area.• Show respect for public property

and equipment.• Work cooperatively with contest

officials and supervisors in keeping order.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho6ae09ZcWQ

What is a Sports Concussion???

• Complex process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.4

– Caused by a direct blow to the head, face neck or elsewhere on the body with an “impulsive” force transmitted to the head.4

– Typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic function that resolves spontaneously.4

– Causes “Energy Crisis” in the brain.

What is a Sports Concussion???

– Symptoms largely reflect a functional disturbance rather than a structural injury.4

– NOT defined by loss of consciousness, typically follows a sequential course, small percentage of cases, post-concussive symptoms may be prolonged.4

– NO abnormalities in neuro-imaging studies.4

– Adolescent brain still developing, extra caution needed for those under age 23.4

Occurrence of Concussion

• Estimated 300,000 sports concussions occur in the United States each year.3

• 20% of high school football players sustain brain injuries each season.3

• Female athletes suffer more concussions playing same sport2

– Female soccer players twice as many concussion compared to males2

– Female basketball 24% higher chance of concussion than males2

Occurrence of Concussion

• As many as 40.5% of athletes suffering a concussion return to play prematurely.1

• At least 55 high school and college football players have died from brain injuries sustained on the field since 1995.5

Concussion Evaluation - Symptoms

– Headache - ”Pressure”

– Neck Pain

– Balance Problems/Dizzy

– Nausea or Vomiting

– Visual Changes

– Hearing Problems

– Confusion

– “Don’t Feel Right”

– Drowsiness

– Fatigue/low energy

– More Emotional

– Irritability

– Difficulty Concentrating

– Difficulty Remembering

– Feeling slowed down

– Feeling “in a fog”

REMEMBER…ATHLETES LIE!!!!

Concussion Management

• A PLAYER SUSPECTED OF HAVING A CONCUSSION SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO PLAY IN THE CURRENT GAME OR PRACTICE!!!

• “When in Doubt, Sit Them Out!”

Concussion Management

• Player should seek medical evaluation.• Player should not be left alone, and regular

monitoring for deterioration is essential over the initial few hours after injury.

• Player should not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle.

• Keep in mind, some concussion symptoms may be delayed by several hours.

Signs to Watch For:Need to go to the hospital at once if:

• Have a headache that gets worse

• Are very drowsy or can’t be awakened

• Can’t recognize people or places

• Have repeated vomiting

• Behave unusually or seem confused – very irritable

• Have seizures• Have weak or numb arms

or legs• Are unsteady on your

feet; have slurred speech

Myths

• Do Not need to wake up athlete every hour throughout the night.

• A normal brain scan means you’re cleared to play.

• You can only get a concussion in contact sports.

• Can give Tylonol for headaches• You need to get “hit hard” in order to get a

concussion.

Return to Play Guidelines

• No mental or physical activity should occur until athlete’s symptoms are gone. Avoid physical exertion but also avoid studying, school attendance, test taking, video games, computer use and TV until clear.

• When clear, begin with short periods of reading, focusing and an abbreviated school day as tolerated.

Return to Play Guidelines

• When school is tolerated, begin low-impact activity such as walking, stationary bike, or elliptical. Gradually increase intensity and duration as tolerated.

• Advance to sports specific aerobic activity such as skating, running, etc.

• Advance to non-contact sport specific drills such as dribbling, batting, shooting.

• Follow-up neuropsychological testing.

Return to Play Guidelines

• Full contact in practice setting.

• If all of the above are completed without return of signs and symptoms and neuropsychological testing is normal, may return to play following final clearance.

• Talk to friends and parents.

Second Impact Syndrome

• Rare condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed.

• Symptoms occur immediately after the second injury and progress rapidly.

• Causes rapid and severe brain swelling and often catastrophic results.

• ONLY occurs in those under 23 whose brains are still developing.

Prevention

• Make sure that helmets are fitted properly and are regularly sent for inspection or reconditioning.

• Never allow an athlete to return if he/she has any symptoms of concussion.

• Follow return to play guidelines.• No such thing as a “concussion proof”

helmet.

Prevention

• No good clinical evidence that currently available protective equipment will prevent concussion.

• Have shown a reduction in impact forces to the brain with use of headgear and helmets, but doesn’t translate to a reduction in concussion incidence.

• Mouthguards have a role in preventing dental and oro-facial injury, but not concussions.

Legislation

Zachery lystedt law• May 2009 in Washington• Max Lystedt, 13 year-old, 2nd

Impact Syndrome in same game.

• Nation’s toughest return-to-play law, requiring medical clearance of youth athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion, before sending them back in the game, practice or training.

• Teen Inspires "Shake It Off" Law - CBS Evening News - CBS News

Max’s law• July 2009 in Oregon

• Max Conradt, sustained permanent brain injury in ‘01 while playing HS Football.

• Compels coaches in every school sport to be trained annually on how to recognize concussion symptoms and assign appropriate medical treatment when they occur.

Legislation

• Next month, Pennsylvania Law to be approved.

• 24 states could have laws in place by the end of the year.

ESPN E:60 Report on Preston Plevretes by: Tom Farrey

• E:60 Second Impact - ESPN Video – ESPN

Website

• http://www.bismarckschools.org/wachter/

Other Concerns

• Fire Department

• Pick up after practice

• Locks and lockers

• Travel arrangements

• Traveling teams

Problems and/or Questions

• Individual sport coaches – 24 hr rule

• Athletic Director – Mark Lardy –323-4650 or by email

• Principal – Brian Beehler – 323-4650 or by email

Sport Meetings and Fees

• Football – 8th Grade – Room 115- 7th Grade – North Gym

• Volleyball – Auditorium• Cross Country – Room 110• Soccer – Library

• Fee payment and form turn-in

• Video – will be shown at 7:50