Please sign, date, and return the attached form to the school office or to your child's teacher prior to the testing date, May 19, if you do not want your child to participate. If this form is not signed and returned, it will be assumed that your child has your consent to participate in ImPACT testing.
Please read more below:
The Iron Mountain School District is continuing to implement an innovative program for our student-
athletes. This program will assist our team physicians/athletic trainers in evaluating and treating head
injuries (e.g., concussion). In order to better manage concussions sustained by our students, we use a
software tool called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing). ImPACT
is a computerized exam utilized in many professional, collegiate, and high school sports programs across
the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. If a student is believed to have suffered a
head injury during competition, ImPACT is used to help determine the severity of head injury and when
the injury has fully healed.
The computerized exam is given to students every two years to ensure the accuracy. This non-invasive
test is set up in “video-game” type format and takes about 20-25 minutes to complete. It tracks
information such as memory, reaction time, speed, and concentration. Essentially, the ImPACT test is a
preseason physical of the brain. It, however, is not an IQ test.
If a concussion is suspected, the student will be required to re-take the test. Both the preseason and post-
injury test data is given to a local doctor to help evaluate the injury. The information gathered can also be
shared with your family doctor. The test data will enable these health professionals to determine
academic accommodations, when appropriate, and when return-to-play protocols (if applicable) are safe
for the injured student to begin. If an injury of this nature occurs to your child, you will be promptly
contacted with all the necessary details to ensure proper and timely management of the condition as well
as the most forward thinking quality care.
I wish to stress that the ImPACT testing procedures are non-invasive, and they pose no risks to your
student. We are excited to continually implement this program at the Iron Mountain School District given
that it provides us the best available information for managing concussions and preventing potential brain
damage that can occur with the incidence of multiple concussions. The Iron Mountain School District
administration, coaching, and athletic training staff are striving to keep your child’s health and safety at
the forefront of the student athletic experience.
If you have any further questions regarding this program please feel free to contact Morgan
Anderson at 906-776-9003.
If you DO NOT want your child to take this test, please will out the attached form and have your student
return it to their teacher. If you wish to have your child take the test, no further action is needed.
Sincerely,
Morgan Anderson LAT, ATC, NREMT
Dickinson County Healthcare System Sports Medicine Coordinator
Certified Athletic Trainer