Warren Board Seeks More Info for Concussion Policy

The Warren Board of Education has asked for additional information prior to considering whether to implement a concussion policy.

Any such policy would impact students playing intramural and interscholastic sports for the middle school. Under the policy being considered, seventh-grade athletes would take a test to develop a baseline number that could be used as a comparison in the incident of a potential concussion.

Superintendent of Schools Tami Crader reminded board members Tuesday night that their attorney had advised them not to implement such a policy because of any liability the board might incur if the nurse had to make the determination that the student was fit to return to play.

Crader said she had reviewed policies implemented in other districts that included language that the decision to return to play is left to the physician and not the school nurse after comparison with the baseline number.

Several board members raised concerns about the board’s liability. Roberta Monahan said, “In a suit-happy world, I don’t want to set us up.”

Mildred Spiller asked if the baseline test could be made a requirement of the physical. Tia Allocco suggested making the test optional to parents “without exposing the district.”

Board President Gregory Przybylski pointed out, however, that he was not aware of any doctors who provide such testing.

Using the example of a “non-athlete” being injured in gym class and asked, “If we’re going to do this, why don’t we do it to every student who’s exposed to the same potential?”

Crader indicated she would do additional research into such areas as how to validate the test, the cost of the test, who administers it and for how long the results are valid.