Wachter Athletics

1. Wachter Athletics

2. Overview • Philosophy • Physicals • Eligibility • Risk • Sportsmanship • Concussions • Website • Fall Sports Meetings

3. Philosophy • Participation • Athletic Skills - Fundamentals • Teaching Life Skills

4. Physicals • Must have a physical every year • Forms should be downloaded and filled out prior to going to the appointment

5. Eligibility Policy • Scholastic • Attendance • Suspension or Expulsion

6. Eligibility (Cont.) • Tobacco, Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations • Currently Participating Penalty • Non-Participating Penalty (Includes Summer)

7. Eligibility (Cont.) • INTERVENTION, EDUCATION AND EVALUATION • SPECIFIC STANDARDS

8. Eligibility (Cont.) BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS • Respect for Others • Dress and Grooming • Travel • Citizenship

9. Risk Awareness • Must watch “Know the Risks” • Must read Code of Conduct Sheet and sign it and return it to the office

10. Sportsmanship Policy • Good sportsmanship is a primary goal of the athletics programs at Wachter Middle School. • Fans and spectators are expected to show good sportsmanship.

11. Sportsmanship Policy Code of Conduct Student-Athlete • Show respect at all times for coaches, opponents, and game officials. • Accept decisions of the contest officials. • Avoid offensive gestures or language. • Display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat. • Follow the rules of the games

12. Sportsmanship Policy Parents/Spectators • Avoid criticism of game officials and sideline coaching which may side track the athletes from their performance. • Stay off the playing area. • Show respect for public property and equipment. • Work cooperatively with contest officials and supervisors in keeping order. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho6ae09ZcWQ

13. What is a Sports Concussion??? • Complex process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.4 • Caused by a direct blow to the head, face neck or elsewhere on the body with an “impulsive” force transmitted to the head.4 • Typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic function that resolves spontaneously.4 • Causes “Energy Crisis” in the brain.

14. What is a Sports Concussion??? • Symptoms largely reflect a functional disturbance rather than a structural injury.4 • NOT defined by loss of consciousness, typically follows a sequential course, small percentage of cases, post-concussive symptoms may be prolonged.4 • NO abnormalities in neuro-imaging studies.4 • Adolescent brain still developing, extra caution needed for those under age 23.4

15. Occurrence of Concussion • Estimated 300,000 sports concussions occur in the United States each year.3 • 20% of high school football players sustain brain injuries each season.3 • Female athletes suffer more concussions playing same sport2 • Female soccer players twice as many concussion compared to males2 • Female basketball 24% higher chance of concussion than males2

16. Occurrence of Concussion • As many as 40.5% of athletes suffering a concussion return to play prematurely.1 • At least 55 high school and college football players have died from brain injuries sustained on the field since 1995.5

17. Concussion Evaluation - Symptoms • Headache - ”Pressure” • Neck Pain • Balance Problems/Dizzy • Nausea or Vomiting • Visual Changes • Hearing Problems • Confusion • “Don’t Feel Right” • Drowsiness • Fatigue/low energy • More Emotional • Irritability • Difficulty Concentrating • Difficulty Remembering • Feeling slowed down • Feeling “in a fog” REMEMBER…ATHLETES LIE!!!!

18. Concussion Management • A PLAYER SUSPECTED OF HAVING A CONCUSSION SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO PLAY IN THE CURRENT GAME OR PRACTICE!!! • “When in Doubt, Sit Them Out!”

19. Concussion Management • Player should seek medical evaluation. • Player should not be left alone, and regular monitoring for deterioration is essential over the initial few hours after injury. • Player should not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle. • Keep in mind, some concussion symptoms may be delayed by several hours.

20. Signs to Watch For: Need to go to the hospital at once if: Behave unusually or seem confused – very irritable Have seizures Have weak or numb arms or legs Are unsteady on your feet; have slurred speech • Have a headache that gets worse • Are very drowsy or can’t be awakened • Can’t recognize people or places • Have repeated vomiting

21. Myths • Do Not need to wake up athlete every hour throughout the night. • A normal brain scan means you’re cleared to play. • You can only get a concussion in contact sports. • Can give Tylonol for headaches • You need to get “hit hard” in order to get a concussion.

22. Return to Play Guidelines • No mental or physical activity should occur until athlete’s symptoms are gone. Avoid physical exertion but also avoid studying, school attendance, test taking, video games, computer use and TV until clear. • When clear, begin with short periods of reading, focusing and an abbreviated school day as tolerated.

23. Return to Play Guidelines • When school is tolerated, begin low-impact activity such as walking, stationary bike, or elliptical. Gradually increase intensity and duration as tolerated. • Advance to sports specific aerobic activity such as skating, running, etc. • Advance to non-contact sport specific drills such as dribbling, batting, shooting. • Follow-up neuropsychological testing.

24. Return to Play Guidelines • Full contact in practice setting. • If all of the above are completed without return of signs and symptoms and neuropsychological testing is normal, may return to play following final clearance. • Talk to friends and parents.

25. Second Impact Syndrome • Rare condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed. • Symptoms occur immediately after the second injury and progress rapidly. • Causes rapid and severe brain swelling and often catastrophic results. • ONLY occurs in those under 23 whose brains are still developing.

26. Prevention • Make sure that helmets are fitted properly and are regularly sent for inspection or reconditioning. • Never allow an athlete to return if he/she has any symptoms of concussion. • Follow return to play guidelines. • No such thing as a “concussion proof” helmet.

27. Prevention • No good clinical evidence that currently available protective equipment will prevent concussion. • Have shown a reduction in impact forces to the brain with use of headgear and helmets, but doesn’t translate to a reduction in concussion incidence. • Mouthguards have a role in preventing dental and oro-facial injury, but not concussions.

28. Legislation Zachery lystedt law Max’s law July 2009 in Oregon Max Conradt, sustained permanent brain injury in ‘01 while playing HS Football. Compels coaches in every school sport to be trained annually on how to recognize concussion symptoms and assign appropriate medical treatment when they occur. • May 2009 in Washington • Max Lystedt, 13 year-old, 2nd Impact Syndrome in same game. • Nation’s toughest return-to-play law, requiring medical clearance of youth athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion, before sending them back in the game, practice or training. • Teen Inspires "Shake It Off" Law - CBS Evening News - CBS News

29. Legislation • Next month, Pennsylvania Law to be approved. • 24 states could have laws in place by the end of the year.

30. ESPN E:60 Report on Preston Plevretes by: Tom Farrey • E:60 Second Impact - ESPN Video – ESPN

31. Website • http://www.bismarckschools.org/wachter/

32. Other Concerns • Fire Department • Pick up after practice • Locks and lockers • Travel arrangements • Traveling teams

33. Problems and/or Questions • Individual sport coaches – 24 hr rule • Athletic Director – Mark Lardy –323-4650 or by email • Principal – Brian Beehler – 323-4650 or by email

34. Sport Meetings and Fees • Football – 8th Grade – Room 115 - 7th Grade – North Gym • Volleyball – Auditorium • Cross Country – Room 110 • Soccer – Library • Fee payment and form turn-in • Video – will be shown at 7:50