Injuries, Concussions & Return to Play

All injuries must be reported immediately to the coach.

Important Medical Note: If a student-athlete is seen by a physician for an injury or medical condition, they must obtain a signed, written clearance statement from that specific treating physician to resume the return to play standards. This physical note must be delivered directly to the school nurse—not the coach or the athletic trainer.

ESM Concussion Protocol

Following a diagnosed concussion, an athlete must remain symptom-free for 24 hours before beginning our stepwise return-to-play process. They must remain symptom-free at each step for 24 hours before moving to the next. Each step describes the activity level allowed:

Step 1 – Rest: Complete physical rest; once symptom-free for 24 hours and signed off by a clinician, proceed.

Step 2 – Light Aerobic: Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling for 10-15 minutes; no resistance training.

Step 3 – Sport-Specific: Running drills; no weightlifting and zero head contact.

Step 4 – Non-Contact: Progression to complex training drills; progressive resistance training may begin.

Step 5 - Full Practice: Participation in normal training and full exertion practice activities.

Step 6 – Return to Play: Full, unrestricted game play.

*   If any symptoms return during a step, the athlete drops back to the previous step and rests for 24 hours before attempting progression
again.