Fredonia updates concussion policy
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The Fredonia Board of Education has consistently met concerns regarding athletic safety with thanking members of the public for speaking on the matter.
Now, those words have led to action.
After recent comments made to Fredonia administration and the board, the district has taken steps to address management of injuries to its athletes. In addition to the district now requiring the Fredonia Fire Department to provide an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on the sideline for all home football games, the district has also updated its Concussion Management Policy.
The policy is now required to be reviewed every three years, if not sooner. It was originally designed by Dr. G. Jay Bishop, a town of Dunkirk Councilman who serves as the district's physician of choice. Bishop is also the Associate Section Head of Vascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox stated that the recent update was "more about tweaks in the language than any really broad or sweeping changes."
As part of the policy update, the district is required to provide an active link of the district's concussion protocols on its website. The district was recently alerted of its link being inactive by Susan Johnson, a Fredonia parent, who raised the issue at a Board of Education meeting.
The district will collaborate with a physician regarding baseline concussion testing prior to each season, and it will also require a physician to clear an athlete before returning to action after evaluation for a concussion.
After the concussion-related policy was reviewed by the district's committee, Zilliox spoke with Bishop for additional input. Zilliox stated that Bishop described the district's protocols as "robust" and in line with common sports medicine practices. Zilliox also stated Bishop was pleased with the district's shift to require an EMT in close proximity to its athletes during home football games.
Additionally, the district requires all of its coaches, from head coaches to volunteers, to be trained in AED and CPR certified every two years, and First Aid certified every three years. Coaches also are trained before the season on how to recognize a concussion. As part of the update, Athletic Director Greg Lauer is now forwarded a certificate of completion each time a coach completes the required training.
Zilliox also noted specific to football, the district is utilizing headgear to cover helmets during practices to limit impact. Fredonia also utilizes 5-star rated helmets to protect against injuries.
To view the district's policy, its concussion checklist, and other relevant information, visit fredonia.wnyric.org/documents/athletics/concussion-management/