Policy.
(b)
Following an injury, a student-athlete must be evaluated by one of the licensed health care provid-
ers listed in ATHL-015, Section 4, as provided in the State Board Health and Safety Policy. Before a
student-athlete resumes full participation in athletics, the student-athlete is required to
have completed a return to play protocol. The student-athlete must have remained free of all clini-
cal signs and symptoms at rest and with both full cognitive and full exertional/physical
stress through stage 5. The student-athlete must have a Return to Play Protocol form signed by the
individual who monitored the return to play protocol, a licensed health care provider, and
the student’s parent or legal custodian. In addition, the NCHSAA strongly recommends that:
(1)
The health care provider referred to in ATHL-015, Section 4 have expertise and training in
concussion management;
(2)
A licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) sign the LHCP Concussion Evaluation Recommendations
form or the Return to Play Protocol form.
(3)
A health care provider referred to in ATHL-015, Section 4.d or e consult with their super-
vising physician before signing the Return to Play Protocol form, consistent with state law
on supervision of such providers.
(c)
Pursuant to Session Law 2025-49, the General Assembly declared that a physical therapist, licensed
under Article 18E of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes, can evaluate a student exhibiting signs or
symptoms consistent with concussion and provide written clearance for participation. As of the
publication of this Handbook, Session Law 2025-49 has not yet been implemented by rulemaking
by the State Board of Education and thus is not reflected in ATHL-015, Section 4. In the absence
of such rulemaking, the NCHSAA defers to the governing authority of each membership entity
whether to allow a physical therapist to perform the function outlined in ATHL-015, Section 4. The
NCHSAA will not penalize a membership entity that elects to comply with ATHL-015, Section 4, by
relying on a physical therapist licensed under Article 18E of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.
(d)
The NCHSAA website (Health and Safety Section) has additional information on concussion educa-
tion, post-concussion protocol implementation, and venue-specific emergency action plan develop-
ment and implementation.
2.3.2
Health and Safety Personnel. The NCHSAA requires all membership entities to comply with ATHL-016
ATHLETIC TRAINERS, which provides:
1.
Each public school unit shall designate for each high school within its jurisdiction either a licensed
athletic trainer who is qualified pursuant to Chapter 90, Article 34 of the General Statutes or a first
responder. These persons may be employed on a full-time or part-time basis or may serve as a vol-
unteer.
2.
If not a licensed athletic trainer, a first responder shall:
a.
Complete and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation as certified by an
organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association;
b.
Complete and maintain certification in first aid as certified by an organization such as the
American Red Cross or the American Heart Association;
c.
Complete and maintain training in concussion management as offered by an organization
such as the NFHS;
d.
Have completed and continue to maintain continuing education in injury prevention and
management as offered by an organization such as the State National Federation of High
School Associations; and
e.
Complete 10 hours total of staff development each school year specific to first aid and injury
recognition and prevention. The 10 hours may include hours necessary for recertifications
or renewals.
3.
The licensed athletic trainer or first responder shall not have concurrent coaching responsibilities
during the time in which the person is working as a licensed athletic trainer or first responder.
4.
A licensed athletic trainer or first responder shall attend all practices and games for football and all
matches and tournaments for wrestling, unless excused by the local superintendent due to emer-
gency.
5.
The State Board of Education encourages public school units to have a licensed athletic trainer or
first responder available for all other athletic events, practices, and activities in every sport at every
middle, junior high, and high schools under the PSU’s jurisdiction.
6.
Each PSU shall monitor school athletic trainer’s or the first responder’s compliance with this Policy.
NCHSAA Application Note 2.3.2. The requirements set forth in ATHL-016 apply to all membership entities.
Each membership entity must monitor its member schools’ athletic trainers' or first responders' compliance with
the rule.
(a)
Licensed Athletic Trainers (LAT) - In North Carolina an LAT is an individual who is licensed under
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