department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

Baseline Testing
For high-risk sports (MSOC, WSOC, VB, MBB, WBB, Diving, Baseball, Softball,
Pole Vaulting) baseline cognitive and postural-stability testing will be performed
using the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and Balance Error Scoring
System (BESS) forms, both of which have been thoroughly researched and have been
found to be both valid and reliable.
SAC: includes measures of orientation, immediate memory, concentration,
delayed recall, strength, sensation, coordination, and a standard neurological
examination. TOTAL AVAILABLE POINTS=30, BEST SCORE=30
BESS: can be used as a clinical measure in identifying balance impairment that
could indicate a neurological deficit. TOTAL AVAILABLE
POINTS=UNLIMITED, BEST SCORE=0
Time of Injury
1. Perform initial evaluation, including SAC and BESS
2. Call EMS Immediately if there is:
Deterioration of neurological function
Decreasing level of consciousness
Decrease or irregularity in respirations
Decrease or irregularity in pulse
Unequal, dilated, or unreactive pupils
Any signs or symptoms of associated injuries, spine or skull fracture, or bleeding
Mental status changes: lethargy, difficulty maintaining arousal, confusion, or
agitation
Seizure activity
3. Recheck signs and symptoms every 5 minutes until stable
4. Refer athlete to the Medical Director of Student Health
The Medical Director of Student Health will evaluate the student-athlete and then
email the athletic trainer with recommendations for physical and cognitive rest
The athletic trainer will then contact the Student-Athlete Academic Support
Office with the physician’s recommendations for cognitive rest
The Student-Athlete Academic Support Office will contact the injured studentathlete’s
professors with physician’s recommendations for cognitive rest on an as
needed basis.
5. Neuroimaging
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