Randolph-Macon Academy Athletic Training Department Concussion Policy and Procedures

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a violent shaking or jarring action to the brain, usually as a result of impact with an object or the ground. They can range from minor to major, but all concussions temporarily interfere with the way your brain works. Every concussion, no matter how mild, injures your brain. This injury needs time and rest to heal properly.

Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the event (practice or game) and shall not return to competition until cleared by the school’s Athletic Trainer or the Director of the ImPACT program, or Team Neurologist.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion:

 Concussion signs and symptoms generally fall into four categories: physical symptoms, cognitive symptoms, emotional symptoms, and sleep symptoms, and may include:

‘Why It Is Important to Report Symptoms

Second Impact Syndrome – a condition in which the brain swells rapidly after a person suffers a second concussion before symptoms from an earlier one have resolved. The condition is often fatal.

Make sure to report all signs and symptoms to your athletic trainer/health care professional! Delaying treatment only delays your return to play!

Concussion Assessment and Management

It is the duty of the Athletic Trainer to assess and manage those athletes that have sustained a concussion. This includes a thorough evaluation at the time of injury or at the onset of symptoms. It is also the responsibility of the athlete’s teammates and/or coaches that have seen or have any knowledge of a possible head injury to report such knowledge of what they saw or symptoms to the Athletic Training Staff.

ImPACT testing is available to athletes in sports that are considered to be of high risk for concussion (football, volleyball, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball). ImPACT testing measures baseline neuro-cognitive function and is used as a tool to help determine when it is safe for an athlete to return to competition. ImPACT testing can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete’s post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion. It is highly recommended but not required that those athletes be tested at the beginning of their season.

Management Recommendations

1. No athlete with a concussion or with Signs/ Symptoms of a concussion should continue to play or return to a game after sustaining a concussion. They shall be removed from participation and evaluated. A student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion SHALL NOT return to competition that day and will undergo concussion management/monitoring as outlined in this Manual/Protocol by the Randolph-Macon Academy Sports Medicine team. A student-athlete may only return to participation when asymptomatic at rest, with exertion, and when cleared by a Physician and/or the discretion of the Team Physician, Team Neurologist.

2. An individual sustaining a concussion should cease doing any activity that causes the symptoms of a concussion to increase (e.g. headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc.). This includes not only physical activity but mental activities such as reading, computer work, texting, loud music (I-Pods) and watching television. Continuing activities, or exercise that increases symptoms, can delay the recovery from the concussion.

3. School attendance and activities may need to be modified. While some individuals may be able to attend school without increasing their symptoms, the majority will probably need some modifications depending on the nature of the symptoms. Trial and error may be needed to discover what they can and cannot do.

• If students are unable to attend school for an entire day without symptoms, they may attend for a half day. Some students may only be able to attend for one period, some not at all, due to severe headaches or other symptoms. Frequent breaks with rest periods in the nurse’s office may also be necessary. Often, alternating a class with a rest period may be helpful. As recovery proceeds, gradually, hours spent in school may be be increased.
• They should not participate in physical education or music classes.
• Workload and homework may need to be reduced. Frequent breaks while doing homework may be helpful. Projects and papers should be postponed. Pre-printed class notes and tutors may help to relieve the pressure of schoolwork.
• Tests: If there are concentration and memory problems, quizzes, tests, PSAT tests, SAT tests and final exams should be delayed or postponed. If test results are poor, a note to the school should request that the scores be voided. Extra time (un-timed tests) may be necessary initially when test taking is resumed.

4. Neuro-cognitive testing is an important component for the management of concussions. ImPACT testing should only be used as a tool, and should not be the only deciding factor in returning a concussed athlete to play. Generally, the symptoms of a concussion disappear before the neuro-cognitive findings return to normal, although occasionally, this can be reversed. It is for these reasons that symptom evaluation alone can not be used as the sole criteria for return to play.

5. No athletes should return to contact competitive sports until they are symptom free, both at rest and with exercise and have normal neuro-cognitive testing. When they have no headaches or other concussion symptoms athletes can begin the return to play protocol developed by the Athletic

6. It is important to remember, each concussion should be treated individually. No one guideline will work for every athlete. The coaches, parents, and the athletes themselves, must be educated about the signs, symptoms and treatment of concussions. Many times, the athlete may be unaware that they have actually sustained a

Concussion Recovery

Athletes who are not fully recovered from an initial concussion are significantly vulnerable for recurrent, cumulative, and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussion.

Such difficulties are prevented if the athlete is allowed time to recover from a concussion and return to play decisions are carefully made. No athlete should return to their respective sport or other at-risk activities when symptoms of concussion are present and recovery is ongoing.

In summary, the best way to prevent difficulties with concussion is to manage the injury properly when it does occur.

The goal of the Athletic Training Department at R-MA is to ensure our athletes receive excellent medical care on and off the field. We do this by requiring a medical history and profile of each athlete in our online Magnus Healthcare Tracking System. This enables each parent to document all medical history, including immunizations, allergies, surgeries, medications, doctor’s annual medical physical. It also provides permission for R-MA to treat their student and gives us vital contact information that enables us to contact families around the world in case of a medical emergency.

Filling out the important medical forms often starts the prevention treatment of our athletes. We see to any athletic injuries that happen during athletic activities such as practices or competitions. Once an athlete is injured we evaluate, treat, and help in the rehabilitation of that athlete. We often make the medical decision to further allow the player to return to the game or not based upon the extent of injury. It is our goal to get the athlete back on the field as quickly as possible but also as safely as possible.

R-MA Mascot is the Yellow Jacket, showcasing its colors of Black and Yellow!

Upper School:”
Golf is a co-ed sport that takes place in the spring.  Through golf you are able to see the great Virginia scenery on some of the finest golf venues in the state.  Our team usually has athletes at all levels and has had its share of accomplishments.  In 2019 we had two golfers qualify for the V.I.S.S.A. State Tournament. In 2017 our team was the runner-up in the D.A.C. tournament and had the Conference Player of the Year and the Tournament Champion.

Upper School:
Tennis players train in problem solving all the time, during each, and between, each point. It is you against one opponent. Cunning, anticipation, ability to identify weaknesses in the opponent’s game, concentration, and mental recovery – those are all tactics and skills used to become successful in outwitting an opponent, even those that are far more powerful. Through the experiences they share on and off the court, players have the opportunity to come away as lifelong enthusiasts of the sport and lead healthier, happier lifestyles because of it.

Middle School:
Middle School tennis is a Co-Ed sport offering that is played in the spring. Whether perfecting their serve, backhand or simply learning how to keep score, our Middle School athletes have the opportunity to come away as lifelong enthusiasts of the sport and lead healthier, happier lifestyles because of it.

Upper School:
Whether a cold afternoon in early March or a summery day in May you will see our girls on the practice field, hard at work mastering their craft.  Our girls soccer program recent success can be attributed to one thing – hard work!  With players of all levels we have witnessed the following accomplishments, 2019 D.A.C. tournament champions and a V.I.S.A.A. State Tournament berth, 2016 D.A.C. tournament champions, 2013 D.A.C. tournament and regular season champions, 2012 D.A.C. regular season, co-champions.

Middle School:
Our Middle School soccer season, which takes place in the fall, is one of the first chances for us to see our students in a team setting.  Most years, we have students from all over the globe, of all different ability levels playing alongside one another.  This is an environment that allows our coaches to teach students what it takes to be a great teammate and build camaraderie.

Upper School:
Track and field, which is a sport offered in the spring, gives athletes the opportunity to put in the hard work to find success in one or several events.  Whether jumping, sprinting, participating in a throwing event or running long distances there is something for every athlete. Recently we have had numerous athletes earn a medal for placing in state meet or become state champions in different events.

Upper School:
Any sport whose field is in the shape of a diamond is special!  With no time limit you are likely to see anything within a Yellow Jacket baseball. Home runs, perfectly pitched games or simply working your way out of a “slump” are all things that will stay with our players for a lifetime.

Upper School:
Swimming is another of our lifetime sports that encourages both individual and team participation. Personal records are tallied right alongside championship performances which gives our athletes something to strive for each day in practice.  Whether participating in an individual event or on a relay team our coaches strive to get the best out of each athlete. Recent accomplishments include six state tournament qualifiers in 2020.

Upper School:
One of the most commonly used metaphors for a high school sports season is referring to it as a “grind”. The depiction is usually a reference to the aspects that go beyond the box score. Although those challenges occur in nearly every sport, few high school seasons deal with the mental and physical strains as much as wrestling.  This “grind” becomes a badge of honor for our athletes who come in all shapes and sizes. Recent accomplishments include twelve State Medalists and four National Prep Tournament qualifiers.

Upper School:
Our girls team has had plenty of success in recent years.   The bonds that these young ladies have established beyond the court are even more remarkable.  In February the girls regularly play in front of a “packed” Melton Gym against one of their rivals in a late season tournament game.  Recent accomplishments include D.A.C. championships in 2016 & 2017, as well as a D.A.C. tournament, runner-up, finish in 2020.

Middle School:
Basketball is another popular sport for our Middle School students. Within each practice session our coaches stress individual development, as well as, the all important aspect of teamwork. Over the winter you can stop by the Middle School Gym and witness a packed house cheering on our Yellow Jackets against one of our Valley Middle School opponents.

Upper School: 
Boys basketball is another popular choice for our students.  Played during the  winter months, the basketball season always brings exciting games to Melton Gymnasium. Rarely a day goes by “on the hill” where you do not see one of our students trying to improve their basketball skills.

Middle School:
Basketball is another popular sport for our Middle School students. Within each practice session our coaches stress individual development, as well as, the all important aspect of teamwork. Over the winter you can stop by the Middle School Gym and witness a packed house cheering on our Yellow Jackets against one of our Valley Middle School opponents.

Upper School & Middle School:
When it comes to matching individual skill levels with teamwork, few sports match volleyball.  Our team plays in the fall and it is alway a pleasure to watch this squad improve individually, as a team and bond on and off the court.  Recent accomplishments include a 2014 D.A.C. regular season championship and a 2016 D.A.C. tournament runner-up finish.

Upper School: 
Cross Country is a challenging sport of a lifetime that encourages both individual and team participation and develops a love for running. The great thing about cross country is that everyone who tries out for the sport generally gets to compete. Personal records are tallied right alongside championship performances. The philosophy is simple: have fun, race hard and train well. Recent accomplishments include 2011 D.A.C. runner-up, 2012 & 213 D.A.C. regular season champions.

Middle School:
On certain afternoon’s in the fall you can watch throngs of young athletes, with a wide range of abilities and enthusiasm, warm up and prepare to go to the starting line at a Cross Country race or begin practice. Some are seasoned runners while for others it is their first chance to prove themselves on a challenging two mile course. In either setting our students are challenging themselves to attack obstacles in their path which will certainly carry over to their everyday life.

Middle School:
Middle School tennis is a Co-Ed sport offering that is played in the spring. Whether perfecting their serve, backhand or simply learning how to keep score, our Middle School athletes have the opportunity to come away as lifelong enthusiasts of the sport and lead healthier, happier lifestyles because of it.

Upper School: 
Our Varsity Boys Soccer team is a popular choice for our athletes.  Played in the fall our students are always eager to begin the school year playing soccer.  A benefit of soccer at R-MA is its international allure which serves as a chance to see our diverse student population come together in a team setting. Recent accomplishments include a Delaney Athletic Conference, tournament runner up finish in 2017.

Middle School:
Our Middle School soccer season, which takes place in the fall, is one of the first chances for us to see our students in a team setting.  Most years, we have students from all over the globe, of all different ability levels playing alongside one another.  This is an environment that allows our coaches to teach students what it takes to be a great teammate and build camaraderie.

Varsity Football has been a longstanding tradition at R-MA.  Being the ultimate team game, the game of football acts as a tool that allows our students to learn the values of knowledge, leadership and character. Recent accomplishments include 2013 & 2016 Patriot Football Conference Championships, as well as, runner up finishes in 2012, 2015 & 2017.

2018-19

• Middle School Soccer Valley Middle School Conference (V.M.S.C.) tournament runner up
• Middle School Girls’ Basketball V.M.S.C. Tournament Champion
• Middle School Boys’ Basketball V.M.S.C. Regular Season and Tournament Champion
• Middle School Tennis V.M.S.C. Regular Season and Tournament Champions
• Varsity Girls’ Soccer Delaney Athletic Conference (D.A.C.) Tournament Champion and VISAA Tournament Qualifier

2017-18

• Middle School Girls’ Cross Country First Place V.M.S.C. Season and Championship Meet
• Varsity Boys’ Soccer, D.A.C. Tournament Runner-Up

2016-17

• Varsity Football Patriot Conference Champions
• Varsity Girls’ Volleyball D.A.C. Tournament Runner-Up
• Varsity Girls’ Basketball D.A.C Regular Season and Tournament Champions

2015-16

• Varsity Girls’ Basketball D.A.C. Regular Season Champion and Tournament Runner-Up
• Middle School Boys’ Basketball V.M.S.C. Regular Season and Tournament Champions
• Varsity Girls’ Soccer D.A.C. Tournament Champions

2014-15

• Varsity Volleyball D.A.C. Regular Season Champion and Tournament Runner-Up
• Girls Soccer D.A.C. Tournament Runner-Up
• Varsity Girls’ Basketball D.A.C. Tournament Runner-Up
• Middle School Boys’ Basketball V.M.S.C. Tournament Runner-Up
• Middle School Girls’ Volleyball V.M.S.C. Tournament Runner-Up

2013-14

• Cross Country D.A.C. Championships
• Lacrosse D.A.C. Tournament Runner-Up
• Wrestling 1 State Place Winner and 1 National Prep Tournament Qualifier
• Middle School Tennis V.M.S.C. Tournament Champions

2012-13

• Cross Country: D.A.C. Regular Season Champions and 1st Place in the D.A.C. Championship Race
• Football: Patriot Football Conference Runner-Up
• Wrestling: Three State Place Winners and two National Prep Tournament Qualifiers
• Middle School Girls’ Basketball: V.M.S.C. Tournament Runner-Up
• Varsity Girls’ Soccer: D.A.C. Regular Season and Tournament Champions
• Varsity Baseball: D.A.C. Tournament Champions
• Varsity Lacrosse: D.A.C. Regular Season and Tournament Runner-Up
• Middle School Tennis: V.M.S.C. Regular Season and Tournament Runner-Up
• Upper School athletes received 56 All-Conference Honors

2011-12

• Varsity Girls’ Soccer: D.A.C. Season Co-Champions
• Middle School Soccer: V.M.S.C. Season Champions
• Middle School Boys’ Basketball: V.M.S.C. Season and Tournament Champions
• Alexis Fleming ’12: Track State Champion in 100m and 200m
• Middle School Co-Ed Tennis: V.M.S.C. Champions
• Varsity Girls’ Cross Country: D.A.C. Runner-Up
• Middle School Cross Country: V.M.S.C. Cross Country Runner-Up