CRESTVIEW — A June 29 session at Crestview High School provided a means of testing athletes for concussions and head injuries.
A team of professional athletic trainers from the Andrews Institute conducted a free baseline concussion assessment for about 140 student athletes who had parental permission.
The baseline assessment used by the Andrews Institute measures balance, vision, and cognitive skills, and results are good for two years.
Students, are retested every other year. The baseline test can assist medical personnel in determining when it is appropriate for a student athlete who has suffered a concussion to return to practice and play.
Sports related concussions are becoming a more prominent topic in athletics. In 2012 the state of Florida began requiring the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt guidelines and policies relating to the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries in young athletes. The school district has partnered with different organizations to ensure the highest quality of services is being provided to Okaloosa athletes.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High School promotes safety in school athletics