Concussion Letter to Parents

 

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Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Milford High School Athletic Department is currently implementing an innovative program for our student-athletes. This program will assist your physician/nurse in evaluating and treating head injuries (i.e.; concussion). In order to better manage concussions sustained by our studentathletes, we have acquired a software tool called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). ImPACT is a computerized exam utilized in many professional, collegiate, and school sports programs across the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury during competition, ImPACT is used to help determine the severity of the head injury and when the injury has fully healed.

The computerized exam is given to athletes before beginning contact sport try-outs, practices or competitions. The non-invasive test is set up in "video-game" type format and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. It is simple, and actually many athletes enjoy the challenge of taking the test; essentially, the ImPACT test is a preseason physical of the brain; It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, speed, and concentration. It, however, is not an IQ test.

If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be required to re-take the test. Both the preseason and post-injury test data is given to our contracted doctor to help evaluate the injury. The test data will enable these health professionals to determine when return to play is appropriate and safe for the injured athlete. If an injury of this nature occurs to your child, you will be promptly contacted with all the details. Per contract regulations, testing can only be used on studentathletes currently in-season or if their injury occurs just prior to the start of the sport season as indicated by the NHIAA. Testing cannot be used for athletes trying to return to a non NHIAA sanctioned sport (or school sport).  I wish to stress that the ImPACT testing procedures are non-invasive, and they pose no risks to your student-athlete. We are excited to implement this program given that it provides us the best available information for managing concussions and preventing potential brain damage that can occur with multiple concussions. The Milford High School administration, coaches, and athletic training staff are striving to keep your child's health and safety at the forefront of the student athlete experience. Please return that attached page with the appropriate signatures. If you have any further questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact the MHS Athletic Director.

 

Chali Davis, Principal

Michael C. Tenters, Assistant Principal
Stephen R. Claire, Assistant Principal

Vaso Partinoudi, Director of Career & Technical Education

Paul S. Christensen, Director of Student Services