Athlete Safety & Return-to-Play Guidelines for FCHS
View the Official CIF Concussion Management Page for full details.
CIF Concussion Process Overview
Our Commitment to Athlete Safety
FCHS adheres strictly to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Concussion Management Guidelines. Our coaches and staff receive mandated training, and we follow a rigorous, medically-supervised protocol for any suspected head injury. Returning to play too soon after a concussion can lead to catastrophic, long-term injury. We mandate a minimum, progressive timeline for recovery, recognizing that athletes may require much longer to fully recover.
CIF Mandated Annual Requirements
Every year, before an athlete can initiate practice or competition, FCHS must comply with the following state and CIF requirements:
- Concussion Information Sheet: The athlete and their parent/guardian must annually review and sign the CIF Concussion and Head Injury Information Sheet.
- Coach Training: All FCHS coaches must complete the required concussion training course provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Concussion Management: The Protocol Stages
1. Return-to-Learn (RTL)
A concussed student must first successfully transition back to the classroom environment without symptoms. This is a scientific, progressive approach to minimize brain activity strain while recovering.
This protocol ensures the student:
- Receives appropriate school accommodations as recommended by a physician (MD/DO).
- Returns to the learning environment stage-by-stage.
- Must be symptom-free in the classroom before starting physical return.
2. Return-to-Practice and Play (RTP)
After successful completion of RTL, the athlete begins the gradual, progressive, stage-by-stage return to physical activity under medical supervision. This is the mandated CIF protocol.
Key Principles:
- Must be cleared by a physician (MD/DO) before beginning the RTP stages.
- Each stage requires 24 hours (minimum) without symptoms to advance.
- If symptoms return, the athlete must drop back to the previous asymptomatic stage.
Official Return to Play Form
Review the mandated stages or download to print for your physician.
