Concussion and Head Injury 

The Seattle School Board recognizes that concussions and head injuries may occur in children and adolescents as a result of participation in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated, communicated and managed. Therefore, all competitive sport activities in the District will be identified to promote training for injury prevention and effective management.   

Consistent with Washington State law, the District will work in concert with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to develop the guidelines and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and parents/guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.  The training will include measures designed to prevent concussions and head injuries.  

Annually, the District will distribute a head injury and concussion information sheet to all parents/guardians of student participants in competitive sport activities. Each student athlete must return an acknowledgement signed by their parent/guardian that indicates they have reviewed and understand the information provided. Until this acknowledgement form is returned and on file with the District, the student may not practice or compete in any covered activity.  

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as required in Superintendent Procedure 3422SP to recognize warning signs and symptoms of concussion and head injuries, and to implement head injury prevention techniques. Additionally, all coaches of competitive sport activities will comply with WIAA guidelines for the management of head injuries and concussions.  

Sudden Cardiac Arrest 

Each year, prior to participating in an interscholastic athletic activity, student athletes and their parent/guardian must review the sudden cardiac arrest online pamphlet and return a signed acknowledgement documenting their review. This form may be combined with the annual head injury and concussion information sheet referenced above.  

All coaches, including volunteers, will complete training as detailed in Superintendent Procedure 3422SP. Additionally, all coaches will comply with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) guidelines for the management of sudden cardiac arrest.  

The District will coordinate with the WIAA and the University of Washington Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology to offer an online sudden cardiac arrest prevention program for coaches. Every three years, prior to coaching an interscholastic athletic activity, all coaches will complete the online program and provide a certificate of completion to the District. District coaches will also maintain current certifications in CPR and AED.  

Community Building Use 

Prior to their first use of school facilities, all private nonprofit youth programs must provide a written statement of policy compliance concerning head injury and sudden cardiac arrest with their proof of insurance as required by RCW 4.24.660.