Concussion Policy
Concussion Management Guidelines
Pre-Participation Baseline Testing
In addition to compiling an accurate medical history during the student athlete’s initial Pre-Participation Exam, all previously untested athletes competing in any intercollegiate athletics at the University of Tampa, shall be administered a baseline IMPACT test and Biodex balance test.
Initial Injury Evaluation
- Any athlete suspected of having a concussion shall be removed from participation in the current activity for evaluation by the team physician or physician’s designee. These healthcare professionals shall have sole and unchallenged authority in determining return to play and management of the student-athlete.
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT 5) pocket concussion recognition tool shall be utilized for on-field evaluation purposes initially as available and practical. The SCAT5 written examination shall be utilized for initial documentation purposes.
- Any athlete having sustained a concussion shall not return to play on the day of the injury. The following signs and symptoms are considered non-qualifiers for return to play: loss of consciousness, amnesia, seizure, gross motor instability, and fencing posture. If any of these signs or symptoms are present, an athlete will be immediately removed from sport participation.
- Serial monitoring of the athlete should continue for any athlete that sustains a concussion for a minimum of one hour following the event that led to the concussion.
- Any athlete that has sustained a concussion shall be given a SCAT5 concussion injury advice form for information regarding any change in symptoms and proper activity restrictions. The athlete may be released to a responsible adult once the concussion management protocol has been properly explained.
Initial Follow-up Care and Evaluation
- Athlete placed on cognitive rest as well as rest from physical activity. Signs and symptoms must be reported by the athlete daily.
- Referral to physician or consultation with a physician for any concussion symptoms lasting greater than 48 hours. Definitive reasons for referral per NCAA guidelines: Glasgow coma scale < 13, prolonged loss of consciousness, focal neurological deficit suggesting intracranial trauma, repetitive emesis, persistently diminished/ worsening mental status or other neurological signs/ symptoms, spine injury.
- Neuropsychological Re-Assessment (IMPACT) administered as soon as practical or per Physician’s request.
Return to Play Guidelines
Day 1 Symptomatic
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- No team activities, minimize cognitive input from media and educational sources.
Following Days that are Symptomatic
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- Submaximal cardiovascular activity (i.e. walking, stationary biking, elliptical, stairclimber) that does not elicit or exacerbate symptoms.
Day 1 Asymptomatic
- SOAP
- Follow-up SCAT5 written examination and IMPACT exam to confirm athlete is asymptomatic and cognitive functioning has returned to baseline. Biodex balance test if Physician deems necessary.
- Cardiovascular exercise in a controlled environment. Duration and intensity of exercise to be determined by the team physician or physician’s designee based on the duration of symptoms, sport demands, and individual athlete abilities.
- If the athlete becomes symptomatic, the session should be discontinued immediately and guidelines restarted.
Day 2 Asymptomatic
- SOAP
- Exertional, functional activity without contact. Duration and intensity of exercise to be determined by the team physician or physician’s designee based on the duration of symptoms, sport demands, and individual athlete abilities.
- If the athlete becomes symptomatic session should be discontinued immediately and guidelines restarted.
Day 3 Asymptomatic
- Full non-contact practice with other teammates. Duration and intensity to be determined by the team physician or physician’s designee based on symptoms, sports demands, and individual athlete abilities.
- If the athlete becomes symptomatic session should be discontinued immediately and guidelines restarted.
Day 4 Asymptomatic
- Full, monitored practice. First day back to full participation may not be a competition/ game day. Duration and intensity of exercise to be determined by the team physician or physician’s designee based on the duration of symptoms, sport demands, and individual athlete abilities.
- If the athlete becomes symptomatic session should be discontinued immediately and guidelines restarted.
Day 5 Asymptomatic
- Cleared to play after consultation with team physician.
Return to Learn Guidelines
Recovery from a concussion requires a gradual return to classroom and learning activities.
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- No classroom activity or academic pursuit should be attempted the same day as a concussion
- Academic accommodations should be provided in the form of limited or no usage of electronic media, excused absence from class, increased test time, rescheduled exams, or additional accommodations as needed.
- Student-athletes that require accommodations should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible and provide medical documentation. Reasonable accommodations will be put in place based on the student athlete’s specific needs and documentation.
- A multidisciplinary team should be made available to the concussed student-athlete including the Team Physician, the Athletic Trainer, the UT psychologist, the Assistant AD for Student Services, and the Academic Success Center.
- Any concussed athlete that is having difficulty managing their academic schedule should seek the on-campus ADAAA resources from there faculty advisor, Faculty Athletic Representative, assistant athletic director for student services, and at disability.services@ut.edu for additional support.
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*Any athlete sustaining three concussions in one calendar year shall be prohibited from participation in team activities for a minimum of six months and require clearance from the team physician.