STUDENT ATHLETE HEALTH AND SAFETY

CONCUSSIONS

A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious.

Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain and need to be addressed correctly. Please see additional information by clicking here.

JANET'S LAW

Janet’s Law requires the following items:

  • All public and private schools K-12 to have an AED on site

  • At least five school employees to be certified in CPR/AED

  • An emergency action plan for a sudden cardiac event

  • The AED to be located in an accessible, unlocked location (such as outside the school gym) with appropriate signage above the unit

  • Signs throughout the school directing people to the AED

For information on Janet's Law, click here.

MRSA INFORMATION

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a cause of staph infection that is difficult to treat because of resistance to some antibiotics. Staph infections—including those caused by MRSA—can spread in hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and in the community where you live, work, and go to school. You can help prevent infections and stop the spread of MRSA. Click here to find out what should you do if you think you have a MRSA skin infection.

OPIOID INFORMATION

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.10, public school districts, approved private schools for students with disabilities, and nonpublic schools participating in an interscholastic sports program must distribute this Opioid Use and Misuse Educational Fact Sheet to all student-athletes and cheerleaders. In addition, schools and districts must obtain a signed acknowledgement of receipt of the fact sheet from each student-athlete and cheerleader, and for students under age 18, the parent or guardian must also sign. Click here to access the fact sheet and acknowledgement form.

SPORTS-RELATED EYE INJURIES

Participating in sports and recreational activities is an important part of a healthy, physically active lifestyle for children. Unfortunately, injuries can, and do, occur. Children are at particular risk for sustaining a sports-related eye injury and most of these injuries can be prevented. Every year, more than 30,000 children sustain serious sports-related eye injuries. Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the United States treats a sports-related eye injury. Click here for more information.

SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among student athletes, often due to undetected heart conditions, has caused great concern throughout New Jersey. In response to this serious problem and in an effort to increase awareness and emphasize prevention of possible sudden death of young athletes, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed P. L. 2009, Chapter 260.

The law established the New Jersey Student Athlete Cardiac Screening Task Force. The Task Force has completed the portion of its mandate to develop an informational brochure about sudden cardiac death for distribution to all districts in the State. Click here for an electronic version of the Sudden Cardiac Death brochure.