An analysis of classroom accommodations and return to learn protocols for students with concussion symptoms

ABSTRACT

Youth sport and physical activity have seen an increase in recent years and with it, an increase in youth concussions. At the same time, an increase in concussion awareness by the public has occurred in response to many changing policies within professional sport. Although this increase in awareness has improved youth return to play (RTP) protocols, little has been done on the scholastic end of the spectrum. Currently, return to learn (RTL) protocols are rare, and existing RTL protocols are inconsistent and difficult to measure. The purpose of this paper is to explore the need for mandated gradual classroom reintegration for student-athletes with concussion symptoms. Creating a mandated RTL protocol with structure will enforce consistency among state and local governments while ensuring proper recovery time for injured students before re-joining the classroom. Not only will this improve students learning environment but it will also bring awareness to the need for concussion regulation development.

KEYWORDS:

• Policy
• youth sport
• concussion protocols
• education

Acknowledgments

Thank you and the referees for recommending our manuscript entitled 'An analysis of classroom accommodations and return to learn protocols for students with post-concussion symptoms' (Manuscript ID RISP-2018-0005) for publication. We are appreciative of the recommendations we have received from both you and the various reviewers and very grateful to have our work published in the International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniela Susnara

Daniela Susnara is a Ph.D. candidate in Sport Pedagogy at the University of Alabama. Her key research areas within the sporting context include youth development in sport and community participation in sport and physical education programs.

Dylan Williams

Dylan Williams is an Assistant Professor in Sport Management at the University of Alabama. His key research areas are sport finance, sport law, and organizational behavior in sport.