LKDSB Has New Concussion Guideline

With the Ministry of Education mandating that all school boards in Ontario develop and maintain a policy on concussions by January 30, the Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB), including all Chatham-Kent schools, are now following a new concussion guideline.

In a board meeting in early January, Director Jim Costello presented a report on the need for, and plans related to concussions, not only for athletics, but related to all school activities.

“It is very important to students’ long-term health and academic success that individuals in
schools have information on appropriate strategies to minimized risk of concussion, steps to follow if
they suspect that a student may have a concussion, and effective management procedures to guide
students’ return to learning and physical activity after a diagnosed concussion,” read the report.

The boards new policy looks to address awareness initiatives, prevention strategies, identification of concussion process, diagnosed concussion management and training, and become the go to resource guideline for all schools. Staff and administration will also be receiving training related to the new guidelines.

While local high schools and elementary athletic programs have always followed prescribed return to play protocol, the board’s new policy now aims to provide consistency in practice, prevention strategies, and raise awareness regarding concussions in sport, and in all LKDSB environments in the future.