The athletic training room is located on the second floor of the Mellon Gymnasium.

The athletic trainers are typically on campus from 1 p.m. until half an hour after the final in-season practice, Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available as needed. Schedule an appointment with an athletic trainer.

Coverage priorities are based on the risk of injury inherent to each sport, with collision/contact sports having first priority, followed by non-contact events. Athletic training coverage for varsity athletics occurs only during in-season dates. This includes practice coverage for most sports, all home contests and selected away contests. Athletic training coverage will include a Certified Athletic Trainer and athletic training students, when available.

If an injury or illness occurs during the school day, the student should report to the school nurse, who will either treat the student or refer him/her to the athletic trainers. If an injury occurs during an athletic practice or game, the student should seek out an athletic trainer.

1. If a student athlete sustains an injury or illness, they should report the injury to the school nurse or certified athletic trainer. a. If a referral to a physician is deemed unnecessary, the athletic trainer will recommend the necessary protocol for the student-athlete to return to athletic participation as a soon as is safely possible. b. This plan of care may include rest from activity, limited activity, modifications, therapeutic exercise and/or therapeutic modalities.

 If a student-athlete is seen by a physician a. In accordance with PIAA and WPIAL regulations, and compliant with the AHN standing protocol, the student-athlete is required to obtain a written release from the treating physician before returning to participate in practices or games. b. The release must be submitted to either the school nurse or the certified athletic trainers.

If there is an injury/illness that requires an appointment with a physician, the student-athlete is required to obtain a written release from the treating physician before returning to participate in practices or games.

The athletic trainers can be reached by e-mail or phone during normal operating hours. The trainers' contact information is listed on this page.

Concussion baseline tests assess student athlete’s neurocognitive functioning by measuring areas such as balance, memory, impulse control, and reaction time. Athletic trainers at SSA utilize both the ImPACT test and Sway (begun implementing in fall of 2022) for baseline concussion testing. A baseline is administered every other year beginning in grade 7. For more information on either of these tests please visit www.swaymedical.com or https://impacttest.com.

SSA requires all students in grades 6-12 to submit PIAA forms every year. See the Forms tab for requirements and deadlines.

A concussion is a brain injury that:

• Is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.
• Can change the way a student’s brain normally works.
• Can occur during practices and/or contests in any sport.
• Can happen even if a student has not lost consciousness.
• Can be serious even if a student has just been “dinged” or “had their bell rung.”

All concussions are serious. A concussion can affect a student’s ability to do schoolwork and other activities (such as playing video games, working on a computer, studying, driving or exercising). Most students with a concussion get better, but it is important to give the concussed student’s brain time to heal.

Concussion 101

AHN Concussion Handout

Concussions cannot be seen; however, in a potentially concussed student, one or more of the symptoms listed below may become apparent and/or that the student “doesn’t feel right” soon after, a few days after or even weeks after the injury.

• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Bothered by light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Difficulty paying attention
• Memory problems
• Confusion

Any player who shows signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion must be removed from the practice/game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

Concussion baseline tests assess student athlete’s neurocognitive functioning by measuring areas such as balance, memory, impulse control, and reaction time. Athletic trainers at SSA utilize both the ImPACT test and Sway (begun implementing in fall of 2022) for baseline concussion testing. A baseline is administered every other year beginning in grade 7. For more information on either of these tests please visit www.swaymedical.com or https://impacttest.com.

The SSA concussion policy is in accordance with the Safety in Youth Sports Act, PIAA regulations and AHN Sports Medicine Concussion Policy.

1. Report a suspected concussion immediately.
   • Student-athletes experiencing any of the symptoms associated with a concussion should immediately tell their athletic trainer, coach, and their parents.
   • Parents should contact Shady Side Academy athletic trainers if they suspect that their student-athlete has sustained a concussion or have sought medical evaluation for injury.
   • Coaches should remove a student-athlete from play and report a suspected concussion to the athletic trainer on site.
      
2. The student should be evaluated.
   • A student-athlete reporting or showing any sign of a concussion will be removed from play for further evaluation by an athletic trainer or a team physician.
   • Upon evaluation, the athletic trainers will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include verbal consult with the team physician or a referral to a medical specialist authorized in the management of concussion.
   • When concussion is suspected, or is being ruled out, the SSA medical team may implement standard academic accommodations until, and not in place of, specific concussion accommodations are received from the specialist.
      
3. Recovery is important.
   • If a student athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, a licensed specialist needs to examine the student, determine what academic/physical accommodations are necessary, prescribe appropriate rehabilitation and determine when the student is cleared to return to athletic participation.
   • To aid in recovery, the certified athletic trainer may implement balance/vestibular exercises, treat any muscular causes of neck pain & headache and recommend safe, low impact cardio.
   • Emotional and academic support is also available through the school counselors and advisors.
   • Follow up neurocognitive and/or balance testing may be performed to help determine when it is safe to return to play.
      
4. Return to play The SSA return to play guidelines are in line with the AHN Allegheny Orthopaedic Associates Concussion Clinic.
   • The student can be transitioned to “Return to Play” by the licensed athletic trainer, or other concussion specialist, under the guidance of the treating physician.
   • The student-athlete will not return to play until the athlete is symptom-free.

Return to Play Protocol
 With no symptoms, a gradual return to play/activity can be initiated. Follow these gradual progressive steps of the training. There should be approximately 24 hours (or longer) in between each step. If any symptoms return at any time during activities, STOP the activity/workout. Rest until symptom-free for 24 hours. Return to the previous asymptomatic step. If symptoms return or worsen, seek medical attention.

Overview
Step 1: Light General Conditioning
Step 2: General conditioning and sport specific skill work (including lateral functional movements) with increased intensity
Step 3: General conditioning, skill work (including rotational and inverted functional movements) with increased intensity and volume
Step 4: Non-contact team drills
Step 5: Full team practice with contact

Should your child suffer a concussion or head injury, here are some guidelines to follow at home:

1. Have someone stay in the same dwelling as the injured individual.
    
2. Return for treatment with athletic trainer or physician.
    
3. If the child would like to take medication for the pain, AVOID the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (advil, motrin), naproxen (aleve) or asprin for 72 hours after injury. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be taken.
    
4. If any of the following symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention:

• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache not relieved by aspirin or Tylenol
• Headaches lasting more than 48 hrs.
• Weakness in arms, legs, hands or feet
• Numbness or tingling in arms, legs, hands or feet
• Double vision
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Ringing in the ears
• Unusual drowsiness
• Very stiff neck
• Inability to concentrate or confusion
• Seizures or convulsions
• Allow the individual to remain at rest during the night. Check in to assess normal breathing patterns.

To help prevent concussions, student-athletes and parents should do the following:

Use proper protective equipment. Every sport is different, but there are steps student-athletes can take to protect themselves. Always use the proper sports equipment, including personal protective equipment. For equipment to properly protect a student, it must be:

• The right equipment for the sport, position or activity
• Worn correctly and the correct size and fit
• Used every time the student practices or competes

Be safe and follow the rules. At all-times, student-athletes should:

• Follow the coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport
• Practice good sportsmanship at all times

Educate yourself about concussions. In accordance with PIAA guidelines, all parents and students are required to read and sign the “Understanding of Risk of Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury” section of the CIPPE packet. In addition, in accordance with PA state law, all Shady Side coaches (including volunteers) are required to complete concussion education training.

With regard to injury prevention in football, coaches, athletic trainers and medical personnel should strive to help educate the player in proper tackling techniques so that these injuries can be minimized.

Get tested. All SSA student-athletes are required to take a baseline concussion test to be eligible to participate in athletics. If a concussion injury is suspected, a post-injury assessment is given by a licensed healthcare provider, and results are compared to the baseline test to help assess the injury.