Head Injury and Concussion Tests

Trinity-Pawling is committed to keeping our student-athletes safe. Research conducted by professional and collegiate sports experts strongly suggests the need for normative data to aid in the assessment of head injuries. The School utilizes ImPACT — currently the most widely-utilized computerized program in the world that has been implemented effectively across high school, collegiate, and professional-level sports to allow for the safe return of athletes to sports following a head injury.

As part of our concussion management program, all new students are given a baseline ImPACT Test before participating in athletics. Returning students are required to establish a new baseline every two years. In the event of a head injury, pre-trauma data is then compared with subsequent ImPact testing data to help determine appropriate follow-up care and the potential for the athlete to safely return to play. Students with head injuries are monitored daily by the Athletic Trainers, Health Center staff, and if necessary, the School Physician. Recognizing that head injuries can have a severe impact on a student’s life, the School has designed and consistently follows a plan to allow students to return to school and sports only when fully recovered.

Return to Play Protocol

There may be certain conditions which prohibit a student from participating in athletics and activities including, but not limited to, physical injuries, concussion, and infectious mononucleosis.

Students who have been placed on the out of sports list due to physical injury must provide a letter of clearance from their treating provider in order to resume activities and athletics.

All suspected concussions will be evaluated by a Trinity-Pawling licensed healthcare professional. The evaluation will include scoring the severity of symptoms and a cognitive and neurological assessment. Any student presenting with signs or symptoms of a concussion is immediately removed from the activity. If necessary, the student will be referred to the Emergency Room for further evaluation and treatment. A Trinity-Pawling licensed healthcare professional will specifically notify the parent/guardian of the student within 24 hours of when a concussion is suspected. Involved faculty and administration at Trinity-Pawling will also be notified of the concussion. The student is required to see a medical provider for additional evaluation and to provide guidance with academics and athletic participation. The student may see their own provider, however, the majority of concussions will be managed on campus. Management of a concussion on campus will include physical and cognitive tests. Students diagnosed with a concussion will be monitored regularly and will complete a daily symptom checklist. A student will begin attending classes as symptoms allow and per provider recommendation. The student, along with his advisor, will coordinate with faculty about missing assignments or exams, and to facilitate implementation of academic modifications as necessary. The student must be asymptomatic, attending all classes, and be released from any academic modifications prior to beginning the Return to Play Protocol. Any student diagnosed with a concussion must complete a 5-step gradual return to play protocol under the direction of the Trinity-Pawling athletic training staff prior to full unrestricted return to sport or activity. The gradual return to play protocol will be adhered to by all students regardless of medical clearance from the treating provider.

Students who have been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis must be evaluated and cleared for return to activities and athletics. The decision of when to return will be individualized based on time, course of the illness, other history and exam findings, and the student athlete’s particular sport. The earliest a student would be expected to return to some level of activity would be approximately 21 days.

Please refer to the Community Handbook for more information and a full list of medical protocols at Trinity-Pawling.