Protecting What Matters Most

Chances are either you or somebody you know has suffered from a concussion. Concussions in high school sports have always been an issue and now with increased attention students are being educated about the effects of being concussed. Predictively, according to the CDC, tackle football has the highest rate of concussions among high school athletes. Other contact sports such as lacrosse, ice hockey, and wrestling have the highest concussion rates among boys. What might be surprising to some, is that girls soccer has one of the highest concussion rates among all sports. Fortunately, schools are taking steps to educate athletes about concussions and when it is safe to return to play after suffering a concussion. 

On Friday September 19th, as part of Concussion Awareness Day in New Jersey, Metuchen High School held an assembly in the auditorium to inform and educate the student athletes about concussions. The assembly featured several speakers including Steven Benvenisti, Esq, from the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey.

This event was set up in collaboration with NJ State Senator Patrick Diegnan’s chief of staff, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, Superintendent of Metuchen School District Dr. Caputo, and MHS principal Mr. Porowski. According to Mr. Porowski, “Metuchen High School was selected for this event because of our interest in raising awareness and supporting students in understanding the impact of a concussion on all aspects of a student’s life (regardless of whether the individual gets a concussion from athletics or not).”

For State Senator Diegnan this is a subject that is very important and personal to him. According to the State Senator, “As a sports fan, I've witnessed too many events that result in concussion. That is why this is a priority for me. As a member of the Legislature, I've been fortunate to interact with the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. I've always had the utmost respect for the outstanding work the Alliance performs through advocacy, support, and education, as well as the abundance of resources it provides for individuals impacted by brain injury and their caregivers. I've been privileged to work with the Alliance's leadership on laws to protect student-athletes who endure concussions and to help ensure their safe return to the playing field.

That partnership has blossomed over the years, enabling me to collaborate with the Alliance on other pieces of legislation, including a bill currently working its way through the State House that encourages school districts to establish concussion management teams.”

Lilya Barlas was a student athlete that spoke at the event and had this to say about sharing her experiences with concussions, “It was important to share my experience having a concussion because so many student athletes think that they can push through when they really shouldn't. A concussion can be very serious and by pushing through you can make it worse.”

While the concussions have always been an issue with high school sports, new concussion protocols are in place to protect student athletes. These protocols include the six step return to play progression:

• Step 1: Back to regular activities (such as school)

• Step 2: Light aerobic activity.

• Step 3: Moderate activity

• Step 4: Heavy, non-contact activity 

• Step 5: Practice & full contact 

• Step 6: Competition