To all Superintendents, School Principals and Athletic Directors:
This is a reminder from Mass. Department of Public Health (MDPH) per the Sports Concussion Regulations 105 CMR 201 for 1) public and charter schools and 2) other non-public schools that are subject to the rules of Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association that have extracurricular sports in grades 6-12:
These regulations require these schools to have policies and procedures governing the prevention, recognition and management of sports-related head injuries. Furthermore, the School or School District needs to provide MDPH with an affirmation on school or district letterhead, that it has developed such sports concussion policies in accordance with 105 CMR 201 and that an updated letter of affirmation is due by September 30, 2015 upon review or revision of its policies. (105 CMR 201.006(C))
You are not required to send us your policies but you are welcome to if you like. We have a model guidance on developing sports concussion policies called “Head Strong: Guidance for Implementing the Massachusetts Regulations on Head Injuries and Concussions in School Athletics” and can be found at the following link:
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/com-health/injury/head-injury-reg-guide-acc.pdf
You may email this letter to DPH-ConcussionPolicies AT MassMail.State.MA DOT US or mailed in hard copy to:
Linda Brown
Division of Violence and Injury Prevention
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street-4th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
If you have any questions feel free to contact me at 617-624-5432 or linda.brown AT state.ma DOT us. Thank you, Linda Brown
