Concussions are currently at the forefront of discussions regarding student-athletes’ safe participation in sports. The NCAA has recommended that each institution have a concussion policy in place for student-athletes that sustain a concussion.
David Strickland, head athletic trainer and clinical instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, has spent countless hours researching and developing a policy that outlines how the UCA medical personnel will recognize, assess, diagnosis and care for concussion injuries. The policy includes how coaches and athletes will be educated about the recognition of a concussion and the importance of proper assessment and management by licensed athletic trainers and the team physician.
Tom Burnett, commissioner of the Southland Conference, contacted UCA Athletic Director Brad Teague about the university’s policy. Burnett stated that he was impressed with the UCA concussion policy and sent it to all the Southland Conference members as a model plan to use in the development of their institutional policy.