Page 27 - (FINAL!) UPDATED 13.0) 2020-2021 HANDBOOK - SEPTEMBER 2020 EDITION_Neat

c. Complete education on concussions
 Recommended CDC training module
2. Athletic Trainers: The NJCAA requires that a certified/licensed athletic trainer and an AED be provided at all NJCAA
postseason events.
a. The NJCAA recommends that at a minimum, an AED and certified/licensed athletic trainer or EMT be available at all
regular season contests and practices.
3. Concussion Management: The NJCAA highly recommends that each NJCAA member college develops and implements
a concussion management plan for all student-athletes.
4. Protective Equipment: In any recognized sport where there is a significant risk of oral and/or facial injury, the NJCAA endorses
the use of protective oral and/or facial equipment by student-athletes.
5. CPR Trained Individuals: At minimum, the NJCAA requires that at least one CPR certified coach and/or athletic trainer be
present during all workouts, practices and games.
F. Concussion Testing Protocol: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. It is recommended that
each NJCAA member college have a concussion management plan in place. If the institution does not have protocol in place, the
following is the NJCAA recommended protocol for concussion management:
1. Student-athletes take a concussion baseline test prior to participation.
2. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play immediately and evaluated by a licensed
healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.
3. Once an athlete is symptom free, they take the post-injury concussion test with the results and the baseline test sent to the
doctor.
4. Return to practice after a concussion should occur only with medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained
in the evaluation and management of concussions.
5. A return-to-play step progression would be followed. It involves a gradual increase in physical demands, sport specific
activities and the risk for contact. The step progression would require a minimum of 24 hours between steps.
a. Step one - they can do strength and conditioning drills only.
b. Step two - (if no symptoms return after day one activities) they can do sport specific activities but must avoid contact.
c. Step three - (with no symptoms) they can return to full practice.
d. Step four - (with no symptoms) an athlete can return to competition.
6. If symptoms return with activity, the progression should be halted and restarted at the preceding symptom free step.
G. Insurance:
1. NJCAA Liability: The NJCAA and sponsoring organization(s) shall not be held liable or responsible for any injury to any
individual, or damages of any nature resulting from participation in any regular season or postseason event sponsored by the
NJCAA.
2. Member Institution Liability: The NJCAA highly recommends that each NJCAA member college purchase a lifetime
catastrophic insurance policy for their student-athletes.
H. Off-Campus Facilities: A member college which does not have a sport’s primary facility on campus must request an exemption from
the NJCAA National Office to practice at the off-campus facility during the offseason.
I. Four Year Programs: Member colleges may not sponsor athletic programs which participate beyond the two-year level.
J. Multi-Campus College: Includes the main campus, branch campuses, satellite campuses and locations that offer college credit
instruction. (A member institution may consist of multiple campuses)
Section 5. Gender Regulations
A. Female Participation on Male Team: The NJCAA will allow women to participate with men on the same team providing that the female
participant(s) are otherwise eligible NJCAA student-athletes and providing that the participant(s) college of participation does not have
a women’s team in the participant(s) sport or category.
1. Female student-athletes participating on a male team shall be listed on the men’s eligibility form for that sport.
2. Those women listed on a men’s eligibility form must participate in the men’s regional and national tournament unless the
NJCAA National Office is notified prior to the beginning of the regular season that the student-athlete will participate in
women’s postseason play.
a. This declaration must be signed by the athletic director and the student-athlete.
B. Male Participation on Female Team: Males may not participate on women’s teams in any sport.