PLAYER SAFETY CFL makes change to reduce injury risk; Catholic board focuses on concussions

Comes in wake of Spectator investigative series about brain trauma in retired CFL players

Hamilton’s Catholic school board is tackling the subject of concussions head-on with a new initiative aimed at students of all ages.

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board will designate Friday as its first-ever Concussion Awareness Day at both the elementary and secondary school levels.

Superintendent of Education Morris Hucal said the board is trying to take a proactive stance on the issue.

“We’re trying to do our part to raise the importance and awareness of concussions,” said Hucal.

“We’re hoping that this will get out so that parents can help us do a better job.

“We’re learning that every case is different and we have to handle that,” he added.

“So how do we work and communicate with the student, parents, physicians and schools to ensure that we have the best interests of the student at heart?”

There’s growing interest in concussion research in recent years as evidence points to far greater long-term consequences than previously believed, particularly when it comes to the repeated exposures to head hits that can occur in sports.

The board’s initiative comes two weeks after a Spectator investigative series highlighted the apparent links between concussions and brain trauma suffered by retired CFL football players.

The Collision Course series showed that, on average, the former players who participated had widespread damage throughout the brain compared to healthy volunteers of the same age, greatly reduced electrical activity and significantly higher levels of memory problems.

Research has shown that just a single concussion could be enough to lead to long-term damage to the brain.

At the elementary school level, students will attend an assembly and view a slide presentation on concussions, then return to class to complete online modules.

Some of the students will also be selected to participate in a survey that’s part of a McMaster University research project funded through a grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation.

The survey will help the board gather baseline data about concussions that can be tracked.

At the secondary level, students will watch a concussion-related video and then students in health and physical education classes will follow up with an online module.

“Developing and maintaining a culture of safety within our schools is an important step not only in preventing concussions, but in reducing injuries of all kinds,” John Madalena, the Catholic board’s equal opportunities consultant stated.

“By learning how to manage risks, students develop personal responsibility for their own safety and acquire knowledge and skills that will allow them to enjoy the rewards of healthy, active living in the years to come,” he added.

Depending on feedback, the board may make the Concussion Awareness Day an annual event.

We’re learning that every case is different and we have to handle that. MORRIS HUCAL SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION