NFHS Communication & Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a parent or guardian cannot be reached immediately after an athlete sustains a suspected concussion, what is the most appropriate next step?
- Allow the athlete to rest and try contacting parents later
- Document the incident and continue attempting to reach the parent or guardian (Correct answer)
- Have the athlete sign a self-release form and send them home
- Consult with teammates to determine if the athlete seems okay
Correct answer: Document the incident and continue attempting to reach the parent or guardian
When parents cannot be immediately reached, document the incident thoroughly and continue all efforts to make contact before any further decisions are made.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a concussion reporting form?
- To protect the school from liability by shifting responsibility to the parent
- To create a written record of the incident, symptoms observed, and actions taken (Correct answer)
- To allow the athlete to self-report symptoms without coach involvement
- To serve as a medical diagnosis document for the treating physician
Correct answer: To create a written record of the incident, symptoms observed, and actions taken
A concussion reporting form creates an official written record of the incident, observed symptoms, and all actions taken by school personnel.
Question 3: Who should receive a copy of the written concussion report after an athlete is removed from play?
- Only the athletic director
- Only the athlete's parents or guardians
- The athlete's parents or guardians, school administration, and relevant staff (Correct answer)
- The opposing team's coaching staff
Correct answer: The athlete's parents or guardians, school administration, and relevant staff
Copies of the concussion report should be shared with parents or guardians, school administration, and all relevant staff who interact with the athlete.
Question 4: What information is MOST critical to include when documenting the time of a suspected concussion incident?
- The score of the game at the time of the incident
- The exact time the athlete was removed from participation (Correct answer)
- The referee's name who witnessed the incident
- The weather conditions during the event
Correct answer: The exact time the athlete was removed from participation
The exact time the athlete was removed from participation is critical for tracking symptom progression and guiding return-to-play timelines.
Question 5: A coach notices a player showing concussion symptoms but the player denies any head impact. How should the coach document this situation?
- Skip documentation since no confirmed impact occurred
- Document the observed symptoms and the athlete's denial, noting the situation as a suspected concussion (Correct answer)
- Wait until symptoms worsen before creating any written record
- Only document if a parent or physician requests it
Correct answer: Document the observed symptoms and the athlete's denial, noting the situation as a suspected concussion
The coach should document all observed symptoms and the athlete's response, treating it as a suspected concussion regardless of whether an impact was confirmed.
Question 6: Which statement about electronic concussion documentation systems is accurate?
- Electronic records replace the need to notify parents verbally
- Electronic systems are optional because paper forms are legally superior
- Electronic documentation can streamline record-keeping but must still meet all required content standards (Correct answer)
- Only licensed medical professionals may enter data into electronic systems
Correct answer: Electronic documentation can streamline record-keeping but must still meet all required content standards
Electronic systems can improve efficiency and accessibility of records but must still capture all required information as mandated by policy and law.
Question 7: After a student-athlete returns to full participation following a concussion, how long should the concussion documentation records be retained?
- 30 days after return to play
- Until the end of the current sports season
- Per school, district, or state policy — often until the student graduates or longer (Correct answer)
- Only until the treating physician clears the athlete
Correct answer: Per school, district, or state policy — often until the student graduates or longer
Retention of concussion records is governed by school, district, or state policy and often requires keeping records well beyond the season or until the student graduates.
NFHS Communication & Documentation 2
When a parent or guardian cannot be reached immediately after an athlete sustains a suspected concussion, what is the most appropriate next step?