Concussion management
Dover Sherborn Soccer Cub is very serious about protecting our players from brain injuries.
In an effort to help identify and manage concussions among our young athletes, DS Soccer Club, in conjunction with DS Lacrosse and DS Basketball, will be offering the ImPACT Concussion Management service for our 6th-8th grade players.
This service will be free to all our players and involves taking a short, web-based set of memory and reaction tests that establish a neuro-cognitive baseline for your son or daughter. While these tests are optional, we strongly recommend that all players in grades 6-8 be baseline tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my child required to take the test?
No. However we recommend all take advantage of this free service.
How much will the test cost?
The test is free to all in our program.
Are the test results confidential?
Yes. A test administrator, most likely a team coach or manager, will review the results to make sure there are no problems (incomplete test, skewed results, etc). The results will be stored on a secure server. Baseline tests can be downloaded by the program administrator in the event a parent needs these results for medical purposes.
Please note - this is not a pass/fail test. It simply provides a baseline that can be used for comparison purposes in the event of a head injury.
Is this the same test that is being offered to all DSHS students?
Yes. DSHS mandates that all students take the baseline test regardless of their class, sport or activity. ImPACT is a program used by the National Football League, the National Hockey League, many minor league teams, and many college and high school programs across the nation.
Why isn’t this testing offered to players in Elementary School?
Standard ImPACT testing has been determined to be less effective with children under 12 and since the vast majority of our players in these grades are younger than 12, we are not offering to them at this time. However, ImPACT just introduced a new version of the test designed specifically for children under 12 called Pediatric Impact. DSSC are looking at investing in this program.
How often is my child advised to take this test?
The baseline test should be taken every 2 years.
How will the test be administered?
The test can be taken AT HOME on computer/browser connected to the internet. We recommend using a laptop or desktop. The baseline assessment will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes and should be taken in one sitting. If you are interested in having your child take the test, simply email the child's name and an email to [email protected]. The email you provide will receive the instructions and a link to the baseline test. Please note this test takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete and should be done in one sitting. So ensure your child has access to an internet browser (we recommend a laptop or desktop) and a quiet area for that time period before starting the baseline test.
We only have access to a limited number of tests, so if your are interested in having your child tested please respond with the child's name and the email for test delivery. AS THERE IS A COST ASSOCIATED WITH THESE TESTS, WE ARE ONLY PROVIDING THIS SERVICE TO DS SOCCER PLAYERS IN GRADES 6-8. Please don't request a test for children who don't meet this criteria. Also, if your child has already completed baseline testing we ask that you don't request another test. (If your child completed baseline testing as part of the DS Soccer program, we have their baseline results in our database.)
Please allow a few days for delivery of the link to instructions/testing.
How can the test help if my son or daughter sustains a possible concussion?
If an athlete suffers a head injury, the program administrator share the results with your primary care physician or other health care provider. If your child sustains a (suspected) concussion and you want a copy of the test results for aid in diagnosis and recovery contact [email protected]
How are the test results used?
The test results can be used by any qualified ImPACT testing facility.
Where can I learn more about concussions, concussion management, ImPACT testing and Dr. Neal McGrath?
• A good video from an athlete who had a serious concussion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIqZDbk3M40
• A good video from the mom of the athlete above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO-ordcPWSU&feature=channel
• Further information on ImPACT can be found on the web at