ImPACT Concussion Testing
Dear Marin Catholic Parents and Athletes,
In 2009, amid the growing concern about sport related concussions in young athletes, Marin Catholic partnered with Dr. Eric J. Freitag, a neuropsychologist and expert on concussion assessment and care. We were one of the first high schools in Northern California to offer a comprehensive sport concussion assessment and management programs.
During the past three years, we have completed 748 baseline tests and treated 103 athletes who have sustained a concussion. This program has provided us with an effective tool in ensuring that Marin Catholic athletes have recovered from their concussion and are returned to the field safe, healthy and ready!
The goal of the MC sport concussion program is twofold: First, we utilize objective, highly sensitive, computerized neurocognitive testing called ImPACT™ as an effective tool in determining when an athlete has recovered from their injury and is safe to return to athletic participation. Our injury management protocol is a similar approach used by the NFL, Major League Soccer, and several NCAA schools. Our second goal is to ensure that our athletes, coaches, staff and parents are educated in proper concussion management and care. To that end, Dr. Freitag has provided several presentations to parents, athletes and coaches on concussion education. In addition, since last year, every MC coach has to complete an online multimedia educational program on concussion management in young athletes.
For the 2012/13 school year, the MC Concussion Program will be paid for as a part of your customary athletic fees and not be an additional cost for individual enrollment. We will continue to offer at least four baseline clinics throughout the year. These clinics will be announced via school announcement, websites, and emails. We would like students to have a new baseline every two years. Ideally, students will get a baseline as a Freshman and a Junior. If you are unsure if your student athletes needs a new baseline you can contact Jamie Waterman ATC via e-mail.
Our first baseline clinic for the 2012/13 school year will be held this Spring! Please save the date for Friday, May 11 at 12:30. Testing will take place in the Pope John Paul II Student Center, immediately after flex dismissal. Due to the expected increase in participants for this program, we would like to STRONGLY ENCOURAGE THAT ANY FALL SPORT ATHLETES SIGN UP FOR THE SPRING BASELINE CLINIC ON MAY 11TH. By completing the baseline test this Spring, you can ensure that the Fall baseline testing will not interfere with any practice times or games.
A second baseline clinic is scheduled for August 14th at 1:00. This will also take place in the Pope John Paul II Student Center. Finally, to coincide with the Baseline Clinics, Dr. Freitag will be giving a presentation on concussion education. This will be on Aug. 22 in conjunction with the Frosh/Transfer Student-Parent information night. There is no need to sign-up prior for testing. Testing will be on a first come bases, there will be more than one testing session and all athletes will be tested.
For more information on the Sport Concussion Program, please visit www.sportconcussion.com. You may also contact Jamie Waterman (MC, Certified Athletic Trainer) for specific questions regarding the MC program.
Sincerely,
Jamie Waterman, ATC, Marin Catholic
Eric J. Freitag, Psy.D, Executive Director, Mt. Diablo Memory Center