Eagan Athletic Association

As you may know from previous correspondence, EAA Football is offering Concussion Baseline Testing for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade players this coming Wednesday, August 10th at Eagan High School.  Some of you have already signed your son up for the Baseline Testing - if you have not, you may do so at the parent meeting, this Monday, August 8th at 6PM.

If you have not already received it, information on the ImPACT test and the Demographic/Concussion History worksheet are available here: http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0020/3838/Demographic_Worksheet_7-11.doc.  Please fill out the Demographic worksheet and be sure to send it with your son on Wednesday.  This information will remain confidential - the completed worksheet is intended to help your son move more quickly through these questions at the beginning of his computerized baseline test. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact Sharon Stumpf:  stumpfeaa@comcast.net.

Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm for the concussion awareness program. 

Sincerely,
EAA Football Coaching Staff

Awareness around head injury (concussion) in youth athletics has become more prominent over the past several years.  As research and tracking of the long-term effects of concussion increase, we are learning more about the potentially devastating effects a brain injury can have on a young person's health, cognitive ability and athletic longevity.  In June, Governor Dayton signed the "Concussion Bill" which requires all public and private athletic associations in Minnesota to implement training and education for coaches, parents and athletes, and establish safe return-to-play policies for athletes who sustain a head injury.

In addition to implementing a comprehensive program to comply with the new law, EAA is offering on-site baseline testing for football players at Eagan High School on Wednesday, August 10th.  ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is a simple, computer-based test that provides a documentation system, measuring memory, brain processing speed, reaction time and post-concussive symptoms.  If a head injury occurs, ImPACT testing is repeated and results provide a direct comparison to an athlete's pre-concussion baseline.  This is one of the most important tools a physician can use  to help evaluate the severity of the concussion and return-to-play readiness.  Baseline testing is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for all Eagan football participants, ages 11+.

ImPACT Testing - Quick Look:
The simple, computer-based test take about 30 minutes to complete.
ImPACT testing is appropriate for athletes ages 11+.  (A pediatric version is in development.)
Staff from Bethesda Hospital's Concussion Clinic will be on-site to administer testing.
Each athlete's results will be kept in a confidential database at Bethesda. 
An athlete's baseline data can be sent to any physician or health care provider should that player sustain a head injury.  (Athletes do not need to be treated at Bethesda.)
It is recommended that youth athletes under the age of 18 repeat baseline testing every 2 years.
EAA is requesting a $5 donation to cover the cost of the test.
It is recommended that participants do not engage in strenuous activity for 3 hours before taking the baseline test.  (Coaches will plan accordingly for that evening's practice.) 

We will have a table set up at equipment hand out on Aug 1-2 and Aug 8th to provide additional information and sign up.  In the meantime, there is information attached regarding ImPACT testing and Concussion Awareness.  If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Sharon Stumpf at:  stumpfeaa@comcast.net.

EAA is committed to providing high quality, safe and competitive athletic programs to help develop our community's youth.  Providing education and  training regarding the risks and symptoms of concussion, and easy access to tools such as baseline testing are key drivers in EAA's HEAD Program (Head injury Education and Awareness Directive).  As always, we value your feedback and questions and look forward to developing a comprehensive program to service Eagan's youth athletes.

Sincerely,

EAA Football Staff