Concussion Management Protocol

Xaverian Concussion Management Policy

Xaverian recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children who participate in sports and recreational activities and can have serious consequences if not managed carefully. Therefore, we are adopting the following policy to support the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. A concussion occurs when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from a concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.

While our coaching staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur. Physical education teachers, coaches, school nurses, and other appropriate staff will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms, and behaviors consistent with a concussion. Any student exhibiting those signs, symptoms, or behaviors while participating in a school-sponsored class, extracurricular activity, or interscholastic athletic activity shall be removed from the game or activity and evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate healthcare professional. The school nurse will notify the student’s parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring to parents or guardians.

If a student sustains a concussion at a time other than when engaged in a school-sponsored activity, the school expects the parent/legal guardian to report the condition to the coach and the school nurse so that the school can support the appropriate management of the condition.

The student shall not return to school or activity until authorized to do so by an appropriate health care professional. Once authorized by an appropriate healthcare professional, the student must complete a “return to play” sequence of events. The return-to-play protocol is as follows:

Day 1 – Low impact, non-strenuous, light aerobic activity.

Day 2 – Higher impact, higher exertion, moderate aerobic activity. No resistance training.

Day 3 – Sport-specific non-contact activity. Low resistance weight training with a spotter.

Day 4 – Sport-specific activity, non-contact drills. Higher resistance weight training with a spotter.

Day 5 – Full contact training drills and intense aerobic activity.

Day 6 – Return to full activities with clearance from the Xaverian medical professionals.

Xaverian's team of medical professionals, including the school nurse, athletic trainer, and on-site doctor, will make the final decision on return to activity, including physical education class and after-school sports. Any student who continues to have signs or symptoms upon return to activity must be removed from play and reevaluated by their health care provider.

The principal, in consultation with the school's medical team, will develop regulations and protocols to guide the return to activity.

For more details regarding New York State's concussion protocol, click here.

Athletics Medical Staff

List of 2 members.

Dr. John Bianchi 10

Sports Medicine Physician

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John Bianchi, DO, is a Primary Care Sports Medicine (PCSM) physician who specializes in non-operative management for orthopedic conditions affecting the entire body.

Dr. Bianchi earned a Bachelor of Engineering in the field of Biomedical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM). His studies allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the human body from an anatomic and physiologic standpoint. He went on to complete a Family Medicine residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, where he served as chief resident, and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Northwell Plainview Hospital.

Dr. Bianchi’s sports medicine training included management of a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the extremities, spine, joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. He is experienced in diagnostic and interventional ultrasound use, trigger points injections, steroid/hyaluronic acid joint injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and more. He practices a “hands-on” approach to treatment and provides Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to patients. He is also trained in the diagnosis and management of concussions, as well as side-line/ring-side management of high school, college, and professional athletes. He has served as an event physician for many different sports, including football, wrestling, soccer, basketball, rugby, hockey, lacrosse, and even the NYC Marathon. He currently serves as the team physician for Xaverian, of which he is a proud alumnus.

Dr. Bianchi is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association of Sports Medicine (AOASM) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM). He has presented research abstracts at both organizations’ annual conferences. Dr. Bianchi is proud of his Italian-American background and happy to serve the areas of Brooklyn and New York where he was born, raised-in, and continues to be a community advocate.
David Dorismond

Athletic Trainer

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David is a Certified Athletic Trainer with a Bachelor's Degree from Stony Brook University. He also received a Master’s degree in Recreation and Sports Administration from Western Kentucky University. David is an Athletic Trainer at NYU Langone Health. He has worked at the high school and collegiate levels (Division I and II) supporting athletes in injury prevention, first aid/emergency care, rehabilitation of sports injuries, concussion management and education around health and wellness. In his spare time, David enjoys cooking, playing and watching basketball, boxing, sightseeing new cities/countries and delving into photography.