A.    Each coach, employee, volunteer, and other adult who works with students in an athletic activity, including physical education classes, sponsored or operated by the District, must complete the concussion awareness training program required by the Michigan Public Health Code at least once every 3 years.

B.    Before allowing a student to participate in any athletic activity, including physical education classes, the District will annually:

1.    provide the MHSAA- or state-approved educational materials on concussion awareness to each student and to the student’s Parent; and

2.    obtain a statement signed by each student and respective Parent acknowledging receipt of the MHSAA- or state-approved concussion awareness educational materials. The District will maintain this signed statement for 5 years or until the student is 18, whichever is longer.

C.   A student must be removed from any practice, game, or physical education class activity when the student is reasonably suspected of sustaining a concussion during a practice or game. The student will not be permitted to participate in any school athletic activities involving physical exertion, including practices, games, or physical education class activities until the student has:

1.    been evaluated by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner;

2.    received written and signed clearance to resume participation in athletic activities from a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner; and

3.    submitted to the school the written and signed clearance to resume participation in athletic activities, accompanied by written permission from the student’s Parent to resume participation.

District officials are not required to verify the qualifications of the physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner who provides the clearance.

D.   A student who has sustained a concussion may need accommodations, supports, and monitoring until the student is fully recovered. Nothing in this Policy automatically entitles a student who has sustained a concussion to an individualized plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Staff should refer a student who has sustained a concussion for evaluation if they suspect the student may have a disability, consistent with Policies 5601 and 5603.

Legal authority: MCL 333.9155, 333.9156

Date adopted: 08/09/2021

Date revised: 07/17/2025