Concussion Management and Awareness Act

New York State requires tackle football programs to provide information about concussions and sub-concussive blows, and the injuries that might occur as a result of such blows, to the parents/guardians of all children participating in tackle football programs.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

The Poland CSD is providing the following materials so that you are aware of the risks of concussion and other brain injuries.

• View District Policy 7400 Concussion Management.
• View District Regulation 7400.1 Concussion Checklist.
• View the NYS Education Department’s Guidelines for Concussion Management in Schools.

Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act was signed into law on July 1, 2022. It requires schools, students, and parents/guardians to be informed about sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs and symptoms.

The goal of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Prevention Act is to promote safe interscholastic athletics and to prevent incidents of SCA in student-athletes.

The law requires districts to provide information to parents/guardians of student-athletes prior to the student’s participation in any interscholastic athletics. The law also requires coaches to hold a valid certificate of completion of first aid training through a nationally recognized organization.

SCA is an emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops working. SCA can cause death if not treated immediately. Immediate treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). SCA in students at risk can be triggered by athletic activities. All public schools must have a staff member trained in the use of CPR and AED in school and at all school athletic events.

Preventing SCA before it happens is the best way to save a life. Both your family health history and your child’s personal history must be told to healthcare providers to help identify if your child is at risk for SCA.

SCA in at-risk students can be triggered by athletic activities. To decrease any chance of SCA in a student, an Interval Health History for Athletics must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian before each sports season unless a physical examination has been conducted within 30 days before the start of the season. This form has questions to help identify changes since the last physical examination or health history was completed. School personnel may require a student with health or history changes to see a healthcare provider before participating in athletics.

The law also requires any student who has signs and symptoms of pending SCA to be removed from athletic activity until seen by a physician. The physician must provide written clearance to the school for the student to be able to return to athletics.

• Learn more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Youth on the NYS Department of Health website.