Athletics

As parent and/or legal guardian, I remain legally responsible for any personal actions taken by the above named minor (“participant”).

I am aware that participating in sports will involve travel to practices and games. I acknowledge and accept the risks involved with my child’s travel. I further understand that participation in sports presents to my child the risk of harm, including, but not limited to, serious personal injury or death. Any questions I have concerning my child’s participation have been answered.

In consideration of my child being allowed to participate in the sport(s) indicated above, I hereby RELEASE AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, the parish, the school, coaches, chaperones, volunteers or representatives associated with the event, and their employees and agents, from any and all liability for injuries, damages, medical expenses, or any other loss to my child or family or me (including attorneys’ fees) arising from or related to my child’s participation. Additionally, I give my consent and approval for my child’s name and picture to be printed in any sports program, publication, or video.

As a parent/guardian, I further acknowledge that I am a role model. I will remember that school athletics is an extension of the classroom, offering important learning experiences for the students. Therefore, I will show respect for all players, coaches, spectators, and officials. I will only participate in cheers that support, encourage, and uplift the teams involved. I understand the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship expected by a Catholic school, and accept the responsibility that comes with being a parent/guardian of a student athlete.

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works.

Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms and Signs

Adapted from the CDC and the 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport

What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athletes will often fail to report symptoms of injuries. Concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key to student-athlete’s safety.

If you think your child has suffered a concussion

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. The Return-to- Play Policy of the IESA and IHSA requires athletes to provide their school with written clearance from either a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or a certified athletic trainer working in conjunction with a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches prior to returning to play or practice following a concussion or after being removed from an interscholastic contest due to a possible head injury or concussion and not cleared to return to that same contest. In accordance with state law, all schools are required to follow this policy.

You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to: http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/

Each year IESA member schools are required to keep a signed Acknowledgement and Consent form and a current Pre-participation Physical Examination on file for all student athletes.