16 N.C. Admin. Code 6E.0205

Current through Register Vol. 38, No. 22, May 15, 2024

Section 06E .0205 - [Effective until 1/26/2025] STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC COMPETITION

(a) For purposes of this Rule, a concussion is defined as a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect impact to the head that results in disruption of normal brain function, which may or may not result in loss of consciousness.

(b) An administering organization shall, on an annual basis, provide a concussion and head injury information sheet to all coaches, school nurses, athletic directors, first responders, volunteers, and students who participate interscholastic athletic activities, and the parents or legal guardians of those students. The information shall include:

(1) The definitions and symptoms of concussions and head injuries;

(2) A description of the physiology and the potential short-term and long-term effects of concussions and other head injuries;

(3) The medical return-to-play protocol for post-concussion participation in interscholastic athletic activities; and

(4) Any other information deemed necessary by the PSU.

(c) School employees, first responders, volunteers, and students shall sign the information sheet and return it to the coach before participating in interscholastic athletic activities, including tryouts, practices, or competition. Parents shall sign the information sheet and return it to the coach before a child may participate in any such interscholastic athletic activities. The signed sheets shall be maintained in accordance with .0207(b) of this Section.

(d) If a student participating in an interscholastic athletic activity exhibits signs or symptoms consistent with concussion, the student shall be removed from the activity at the time and shall not be allowed to return to play or practice that day. A student removed from play for exhibiting signs or symptoms consistent with concussion shall not return to play or practice on a subsequent day until the student is evaluated by and receives written clearance for such participation from one of the following:

(1) A physician licensed under Chapter 90, Article 1 of the General Statutes with training in concussion management;

(2) A neuropsychologist licensed under Chapter 90, Article 18A of the General Statutes with training in concussion management and working in consultation with a physician licensed under Chapter 90, Article 34 of the General Statutes;

(3) An athletic trainer licensed under Chapter 90, Article 34 of the General Statutes;

(4) A physician assistant, consistent with the limitations of G.S. 90-18.1; or

(5) A nurse practitioner, consistent with the limitations of G.S. 90-18.2.

(e) Each participating school shall develop a venue-specific emergency action plan to deal with serious injuries and acute medical conditions in which the condition of the patient may deteriorate rapidly. The plan must be:

(1) In writing;

(2) Reviewed by an athletic trainer licensed under Chapter 90, Article 34 of the General Statutes;

(3) Approved by the principal of the school;

(4) Distributed to all appropriate personnel;

(5) Posted conspicuously for community and parental awareness at all athletic-sponsored venues; and

(6) Reviewed and rehearsed annually by all licensed athletic trainers, first responders, coaches, school nurses, athletic directors, and volunteers for interscholastic athletic activities.

(f) Each participating school's emergency management plan shall include:

(1) A delineation of roles;

(2) Methods of communication;

(3) Available emergency equipment; and

(4) Access to and plan for emergency transport.

(g) Each school shall maintain complete and accurate records of its compliance with the requirements of this Rule.

16 N.C. Admin. Code 06E .0205

Authority G.S. 115C-12(12); 115C-12(23); 115C-47(4); 115C-407.50; 115C-407.55; 115C-407.57; 115C-407.58; 115C-407.60;
Interim Rule status conferred Eff. June 27, 2018, pursuant to S.L. 2018-114, sec. 27.(b);
Emergency Rule Eff. August 20, 2019;
Emergency Rule Exp. Eff. August 20, 2020
Temporary Adopted by North Carolina Register Volume 38, Issue 21, May 1, 2024 effective 7/1/2024 exp. 1/26/2025.