Lake Central adopts stringent concussion policy

ST JOHN | Lake Central athletic director Robin Tobias recently attended a concussion clinic, with athletic trainer Chris Hall, which convinced the pair to change the way in which the high school screens its athletes for possible concussion injuries, Tobias told the Lake Central School Board at its Aug. 1 meeting.

Beginning in September, all students who participate in sports at Lake Central will be given a baseline test for concussion. All incoming freshman athletes will also be tested and those tests will be repeated during their junior year. Thus, the new policy requires athletes be tested the last two years of high school.

The Indians have always screened athletes who play contact sports, but their recent experience at the clinic convinced Tobias and Hall that screenings should be extended to all student athletes.

"There is no mildness in brain injury," Tobias said.

Current studies do not show a benefit to conducting screenings at the middle school level, Tobias said, but he is continuing to look at the possibility.

The high school expects to test 600 student athletes this year, as the new policy is a result of officials "trying to protect our athletes," Tobias said.

During the school year, information and education on concussion and brain injury will be offered not only to coaches and staff, but to parents of athletes even at the middle school level.

"Parents are advocates for their children," Tobias said, and should be made aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion, which may show themselves immediately, or as time passes.