The Board of Education of the Skaneateles Central School District recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully.  Therefore, the District adopts the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries. Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury.  Concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head.  Recovery from concussion will vary.  Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management. While district staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur.  Physical education teachers, coaches, nurses and other appropriate staff will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion.  Any student exhibiting these signs, symptoms or behaviors while participating in a school sponsored class, extracurricular activity or interscholastic athletic activity shall be removed from the game or activity and be evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate health care professional.  District faculty and staff, such as an administrator, teacher, nurse, athletic trainer or coach will notify the student's parent or guardian and recommend appropriate monitoring.   If a student sustains a concussion at a time other than when engaged in a school-sponsored activity, the district expects the parent or guardian to report the condition to the school nurse, athletic trainer or coach so that the district can support the appropriate management of the student's condition. The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized by an appropriate heath care professional.  The school's Medical Director will make the final decision regarding the student's return to activity which includes physical education class and after school sports.  Any student who continues to have signs and/or symptoms of a concussion upon return to activity must be removed from play and re-evaluated by their health care provider.   The Superintendent in consultation with appropriate district staff including the school's Medical Director will develop regulations and protocol to guide returning to activity.