Kutztown School Board members expressed concerns about the lack of timeliness in which concussion materials were distributed to student-athletes and their parents.
Director of Student Activities and Athletics Michael O’Neil presented three informational items regarding concussions to Kutztown School Board during the workshop meeting Oct. 6.
The board took a look at the district’s Concussion Policy, Administration Guidelines and 2013-14 Concussion Summary, which can also be found on the district’s website under the Athletics tab.
Concussion information was given to all coaches and letters were sent home with student-athletes on Sept. 16, but issues arose when board members commented that the guidelines stated that information should have been distributed prior to the start of teams’ respective seasons (fall, winter or spring).
An informational meeting titled “Brain Drain” is also scheduled for Nov. 11, which will break down the effects of concussions and substance abuse on the brain. However, Board Vice-President Randy Burch stated that the guidelines were once again not adhered to, because the informational meeting was supposed to be held at the beginning of the school year according to the policy’s wording.
The purpose of the informational meeting and letters being sent home to parents is to make them aware of the effects of concussions prior to the start of their child’s athletic seasons so they can make informed decisions regarding their child’s participation and health, said Burch.
“From this point forward, we need to do our best to adhere to them [the guidelines],” Burch said. “We want to make sure we’re proactive with the issue of concussions.”
