5/20/2018 LCPS Response to Parents Re Inova-Brain Sentry Research Proposal

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LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL340 N. Maple Ave.

Purcellville, VA 20132(540) 751-2400

"#$% #& '(% )*+*,-.http://www.lcps.org/lvhs

Loudoun Valley High School 340 N. Maple Ave.Purcellville, VA 20132

August 6, 2014

Parents of Football Players,

It is our understanding a meeting has been scheduled with Brain Sentry for tomorrow,August 7th, on the Loudoun Valley campus. The purpose of this meeting is to haveBrain Sentry and/or parents install helmet sensors on Loudoun Valley issued footballhelmets.

Administration has discussed this with both Coach McGrath and Brain Sentry. It wasindicated to them that these devices are not to be installed on players helmets. There

are several reasons for this:

There is no scientific proof that helmet sensors are effective and no nationallyrecognized medical protocol for their use.Loudoun County Public Schools has in place a well-articulated concussion protocol.This protocol follows a nationally recognized medical protocol approved by both theNATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) and the medical director of INOVAConcussion Assessment Center.Targeting - There is a concern opponents will attempt to activate the sensor withexcessive blows.Each year, Loudoun Valleys helmets are certified by the manufacturer. Installing these

devices may void or invalidate the certification of the helmet.As indicated by medical professionals, there is a concern with false negatives and falsepositives with the sensor. This could create an over-reliance on the device withoutregard for other safeguards within our protocols. According to the National Federationof High Schools, This is a very inexact science and no single-impact force isguaranteed to cause a concussion. Thus the monitor may signalthat a forcegreat enough to trigger a concussion has occurred and the athlete may beuninjured, whereas other blows to the head or body may not be forceful enoughto trigger the alert, but result in a concussion.

In sum, the combined unknowns constitute a risk that we are unwilling to take. We

continue to be committed to the safety and welfare of our athletes and opencommunication about this issue. However, Loudoun County Public Schools andLoudoun Valley High Schools position remains that the sensors are not approved.Helmets with sensors will not be permitted for use during practice or game situations.

Administration plans to be at the school tomorrow morning to ensure none of ourathletes are placed in an awkward or difficult position.

5/20/2018 LCPS Response to Parents Re Inova-Brain Sentry Research Proposal

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LOUDOUN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL340 N. Maple Ave.

Purcellville, VA 20132(540) 751-2400

"#$% #& '(% )*+*,-.http://www.lcps.org/lvhs

Loudoun Valley High School 340 N. Maple Ave.Purcellville, VA 20132

Loudoun County has a long-standing commitment to the safety of its student athletes,especially where concussions are concerned. The protocols the school system hasestablishedall certified or above the level of certification required by sanctioningbodiesinclude:

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) employs School Board Policy 8 -58Concussions In Student Athletes when dealing with concussions. The goals of thispolicy is to ensure that student-athletes who sustain concussions are properlydiagnosed, given adequate time to heal and are comprehensively supported until theyare symptom-free. The policy is based on Section 22.1-271.5 of the Code of Virginia.LCPS reconditions existing football helmets each year and purchases new helmets to

ensure they meet or exceed National Operating Committee on Standards for AthleticEquipment (NOCSAE) standards.All coaches are required to take the Center for Disease Control or National Federationof High Schools concussion course each year as a refresher. All coaches have to becertified in CPR and First Aid.Athletic directors monitor the amount of contact during practices; monitor practice timeand practice plans to ensure they are within Virginia High School League guidelines;make sure coaches follow the heat guidelines during practices to make sure athletes donot get fatigued, which leads to improper techniques; encourage and financially supportcoaches attending clinics and conferences to keep abreast of proper techniques; ensurecoaches attend rules clinics each year; and are in constant contact with athletic trainers

to address any concerns they see at practices and games.LCPS has hosted the Heads Up Football Clinic through USA Football with RichardAdams presenting. Adams is the former football coach at Annandale High School wherehe posted a 132-28 record and led the school to two state titles.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at Susan.Ross@lcps.org.

Very Respectfully,

Susan Ross Kris Kelican Ryan BardenPrincipal, LVHS A.D., LVHS Asst. A.D., LVHS

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