December 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 23

contact games in case something really
bad happens, but we're collecting data, "
which will be used in the future to identify
trends and minimize risks.
Caswell has helped the league set up an
online injury monitoring system, even tracking injuries incurred in practice. He has also
provided mandatory coaching safety training, which he believes is the most important element parks and rec staffs can offer to
their leagues and athletes. Specifically, Caswell believes that annual safety education
sessions should be mandatory for coaches.
" Annual because the science is continually changing, particularly with regard
to concussions, " Caswell says.
One place where the education approach has worked well is the Newtown
Township (Pennsylvania) Parks and Recreation department, which in September
partnered with Princeton Brain and Spine
Care (PBSC) for a Concussion and Brain

Injury Symposium.
Dr. Nirav Shah, a neurosurgeon and
head of the Concussion Clinic at PBSC,
helped to spearhead the event.
" One key resource that was very important was the parks and recreation department, " Shah explains. " What they
were able to do was get the word out to
the parents, to the children, to get us in
front of the local youth leagues, and really galvanize interest in the community-which is the most important thing you
need for something like this. "
The event was targeted at coaches,
medical professionals, and parents of
young athletes, and featured a roundtable discussion, a Q&A session, and a concussion care expo.
New tow n pa rk s d i rector Kat hy
Pawlenko judged the event a tremendous
success. " I was so proud to be a part of
this, " Pawlenko says. " It's really raised the

awareness in our community. "
In the end, though, the education begins with one simple phrase: " Err on the
side of caution, " Caswell says.
Everyone around the league should
be made aware of the classic symptoms
of concussion; CDC offers free kits, training, posters, and more through its Heads
Up program, which is an excellent place
for parks and rec administrators to start,
even if connecting with local medical
professionals and organizing symposia is
impractical.
Being let back out on the ice with a
concussion wound up okay for Dr. Shane
Caswell, but there is no reason that any
modern athlete should face that kind of
risk today.
MAtt teRL is a freelance writer living in
Northern Virginia with a specialty in
sports.

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w w w . N R P A . O R G    D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1    Parks

& Recreation

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December 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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