Success story

Providing Concussion Baseline Testing to All Student-Athletes

Washington Township High School has been using ImPACT for over ten years to stay ahead of evolving concussion care laws and provide best in class concussion care for their student-athletes. They have streamlined in-person baseline test administration by taking advantage of the Customer Center feature to distribute unique testing links to all student-athletes.

Success Stories Washington Township High School

Washington Township High School

As part of the Washington Township School District, Washington Township High School serves over 2,500 students, including 1,500 athletes on over 30 sports teams.

Headquarters: Sewell, New Jersey
Industry: High School

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Washington Township High School

As part of the Washington Township School District, Washington Township High School serves over 2,500 students, including 1,500 athletes on over 30 sports teams.

Headquarters: Sewell, New Jersey
Industry: High School

Visit site >

Eric Schwartz Washington Township High School

Eric Schwartz

Head Athletic Trainer
Washington Township High School

Staying Ahead of Concussion Requirements

In 2010, New Jersey introduced the Sports Concussion Safety Law, which required schools to have a head injury education program as well as a written concussion management policy. While this law didn’t require concussion baseline testing, Washington Township High School wanted to provide the best possible care for their student-athletes. That’s why they chose to include ImPACT in their concussion protocol and baseline test all athletes, regardless of their sport.

Later, the New Jersey Sports Concussion Safety Law was amended to require baseline testing for all student-athletes. Because Washington Township was already using ImPACT to baseline test athletes, their concussion protocol was already in compliance with the new requirement.

Why ImPACT?

Washington Township High School chose ImPACT over other tools on the market because of the amount of evidence-based research supporting its utility. Since then, they’ve used ImPACT as an objective tool to help with readiness to return to play as well as to identify deficits and determine clinical trajectories.

“Hands down, ImPACT is the leader for neurocognitive testing due to the expansive, evidence-based research that backs the reliability and sensitivity of the tests.”

Creating a Comprehensive Concussion Protocol

The concussion care team at Washington Township High School consists of two full-time athletic trainers, two school nurses, a school physician, and a concussion specialist consultant. The team also works closely with student-athletes, parents, and local physicians to ensure students are getting appropriate concussion care.

If a concussion is suspected, the athlete is evaluated by an athletic trainer on the sidelines who determines if the athlete should be removed from play. If the athlete is removed from play, they are referred to a physician for further evaluation including an ImPACT post-injury test. Local concussion specialists (Credentialed ImPACT Consultants) are recommended to athletes for their post-concussion care.

Importance of Continuing Education

Because concussion management is constantly evolving, it’s critical that healthcare providers are staying up-to-date on the latest research and recommendations. That’s why Eric Schwartz completed the ImPACT Trained Athletic Trainer (ITAT) program and takes continuing education courses each year.

“The ITAT program is excellent. It keeps you well-informed on current evidence-based philosophies. It also helps you communicate with other healthcare providers, athletes, and parents.”

Streamlining In-Person Baseline Testing

Washington Township High School uses the Customer Center to distribute unique links to all athletes. Each team is instructed to bring their school-issued laptops to a classroom at a designated time to complete baseline testing. Since there are not a lot of computer labs at the school, this method has saved time and provided more flexibility. Any athletes who cannot attend the scheduled baseline testing session may complete the baseline test at home.

“Tufts

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