Beginning on September 1, any sports physical submitted to Bayonne High School must have a physician signature certifying that the examining physician has taken the Student-Athlete Cardiac Assessment Professional Development Module shown at state.nj.us/education/students/safety/health/services/athlete/PDModule.shtml. Failure to have this signature in place will delay and prevent the student athlete from participation in sports.
The incidence of sudden cardiac death among student athletes, often due to undetected heart conditions, has caused great concern throughout the state. In response to this serious problem and in an effort to increase awareness and emphasize prevention of possible sudden death of young athletes, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed P. L. 2009, Chapter 260. The law established the New Jersey Student Athlete Cardiac Screening Task Force.
The Task Force has completed the portion of its mandate to develop an informational brochure about sudden cardiac death for distribution to all districts. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41 school districts are required to distribute the pamphlet to the parents or guardians of students participating in school sports.
The state has legislation in place to protect student athletes from the risks of concussion and sudden cardiac death. Some of the symptoms of a medical emergency many include a dazed or stunned appearance; forgetfulness or short term memory loss; uncertainty in approaching any part of the game; or changes in character, response or coordination.
The public should also be aware of athletes reporting post-incident headaches; nausea or vomiting; balance problems or dizziness; double vision or changes in vision; sensitivity to light/sound; feeling of sluggishness or fogginess; confusion, difficulty with memory, difficulty with concentration, which could be a sign of a concussion.
Athletes should not attempt to hide symptoms from trainers, parents, coaches, and others or attempt to return to practice or competition. Concussions may take time and may have a higher chance of occurring on incidents following the first injury.
If not treated, students may be subject to second impact syndrome, where a student sustains a second concussion while still having symptoms from a previous concussion or head injury. In extreme cases, incidents can lead to permanent impairment or death.
Reading, texting, testing, working on assignments or watching media can slow down a student athlete’s recovery.
Once cleared by a physician trained in concussion management, student athletes who have sustained a concussion must complete a graduated return to play before they may resume competition or practice.
There are several resources that address health issues and emergencies in student athletes. Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes and other health related topics state.nj.us/education/students/safety/health/services/; state.nj.us/education/students/safety/health/services/cardiac.pdf; sportsafetyinternational.org/cardiacwise/; cdc.gov/headsup/
nfhslearn.com/courses/38000; or concussionwise.com