Co-Curricular P-12

The research and understanding around brain-based injuries has increased exponentially in recent years. This has been spurred by a better understanding of the causes, symptoms and recovery time needed to aid the long-term health of the human brain.

Oxley has adopted the new Policy guidelines from the Independent Sporting Association which include an update to our Concussion Policy & Graded Return To Sport Framework (GRTSF). In summary, a concussion is a brain injury resulting in disturbance of brain function. It is caused by biomechanical forces to the head or body, even without direct impact to the head.

What makes a concussion so hard to diagnose is the varied symptoms and recovery timelines. What is clear from the research is that a child’s brain can take longer to recover than that of an adult. The principle of ‘if in doubt, sit them out’ must always be at the forefront of any decisions.

The most significant parts of the updated Policy include the need for a collaborative approach between the College, families and health care professionals. Nurse Bec is now our dedicated ‘concussion officer’ and she is primarily responsible for the Graded Return To Sport Framework (GRTSF) which allows for any child with a suspected concussion to gradually return to exercise and academic work with greater recovery and reduced risks of reinjuring the brain.

At all times the emphasis is on prioritizing return to learning over sport. Also, it is imperative that a medical healthcare practitioner provide certificates to begin and conclude the GRTSF process.

The College is confident in the new recording and monitoring procedures that have been put in place and we look forward to working in partnership with students and families in this important area.

Warm Regards

Christophe Gauchat
Head of Co-Curricular P-12