WVSSAC Approves Concussion Eligibility
During its monthly meeting in Charleston on Jan. 8, the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) approved West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) – Series 2, Athletics, Provisions Governing Eligibility.
“This is a significant step in how we protect all of our athletes from the short- and long-term impact of concussions,” said WVBE President Gayle Manchin. “Now a certified medical professional must clear student athletes before they can get back into practice or play.”
The West Virginia Legislature, during the 2013 regular session, amended West Virginia Code to require the WVSSAC to address concussions and head injuries in interscholastic athletes. To comply with the requirements of the law, WVSSAC Series 2 was adopted under emergency status in order for the rule to be effective immediately. At the October 2013 WVBE meeting, approval of the rule was postponed so additional details related to the criteria of who is considered certified medical personnel could be determined.
Policy 2417, Programs of Study for Limited English Proficiency Students, was also approved during the January board meeting. Policy 2417 was revised to reflect the inclusion of newly aligned English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards that correspond to West Virginia’s Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives for West Virginia schools. Policy 2417 was placed on public comment for a period of 30 days in November. Three comments were received during the comment period.
The policies can be viewed on the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) website at wvde.state.wv.us/policies.
For more information, contact Liza Cordeiro the WVDE Communication Office at 304-558-2699.