From football players to dancers, all FCPS student athletes are now required to complete a concussion education program. The requirement is designed to raise awareness for this alarmingly common issue – concussions are extremely prevalent among high school athletes. In a study conducted by FCPS and George Mason University researchers, 2,651 concussions were recorded during 11 million athletic exposures, according to the Fairfax Times.

With the new education program, athletes must watch a PowerPoint presentation that covers several aspects of concussions: common symptoms, how to recognize a concussion, and necessary treatment. The slideshow informs athletes that if they are experiencing any of the symptoms of a concussion, they must seek help immediately.

“The PowerPoint has helped. There are more reports about concussions that come up. People take it more seriously,” said Langley athletic trainer Mr. Welever.

After concussions are reported, athletes are required to rest, and are benched until the symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours. Even after the symptoms are gone, athletes must follow a “monitored, progressive return to participation,” according to the concussion PowerPoint.