[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

MichiganHSAA: Once a player is removed from the game because of a suspected concussion: The game official must file a MichiganHSAA Game Report (The same one we use for ejections.). The player is not allowed to return to play until his school certifies to the MichiganHSAA that the player has been cleared to play by a proper medical professional. MTD, Sr.

What MTD says is correct. However, some officials have interpreted those words to say they are the ones who implement the whole process. Clarification was sent out by the state in the recent online rules meeting stating the entire protocol--copied below. This is the state protocol which spells it all out. Please forgive the length, but this further clarification is significant because many around here considered only the words accurately stated by MTD and stood fast that they would under no circumstances allow any player to reenter the game once they have ordered that they be removed and checked out--that's more than the state advises.

MHSAA PROTOCOL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL
FEDERATION SPORTS PLAYING RULES FOR CONCUSSIONS
“Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.”
The language above, which appeared in all National Federation sports rule books for the 2011-12school year, reflects a strengthening of rules regarding the safety of athletes suspected of having a concussion.
For 2009-10, some sports rules required officials to remove from play any athlete who was “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” This new language reflects an increasing focus on safety, given that the vast majority of concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness.
This protocol is intended to provide the mechanics to follow during the course of contests when an athlete sustains an apparent concussion.
1. The officials will have no role in determining concussion other than the obvious one where a player is either unconscious or apparently unconscious as is provided for under the current rule. Officials will merely point out to a coach that a player is apparently injured and advise that the player should be examined by a health care provider for an exact determination of the extent of injury.
2. If it is confirmed by the school’s designated health care professional that the student did not sustain a concussion, the head coach may so advise the officials during an appropriate stoppage of play and the athlete may reenter competition pursuant to the contest rules.
3. Otherwise, if competition continues while the athlete is withheld for an apparent concussion, that athlete may not be returned to competition that day but is subject to the return to play protocol.
a. Only an MD or DO may clear the individual to return to competition.
b. The clearance must be in writing.
c. The clearance may not be on the same date on which the athlete was removed from play.
4. Following the contest, an Officials Report shall be filed with a removed player’s school and the MHSAA.
5. In cases where an assigned MHSAA tournament physician (MD/DO) is present, his or her decision to not allow an athlete to return to competition may not be overruled.

SANCTIONS FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT POLICY
Following are the consequences for not complying with National Federation and MHSAA rules when players are removed from play because of a concussion:
• A concussed student is ineligible to return to any athletic meet or contest on the same day the concussion is sustained.
• A concussed student is ineligible to return to competition in a meet or contest on a subsequent day without the written authorization of an MD or DO.
These students are considered ineligible players and any meet or contest in which they have participated is forfeited.
In addition, that program is placed on probation through that sport season of the following school year.
For a second offense in that sport during the probationary period – that program is continued on probation through that sport season of the following school year and not permitted to participate in the
MHSAA tournament in that sport during the original and extended probationary period.