Schools
should inform the State Office when a catastrophic athletic injury occurs.
This includes injuries to cheerleaders. Many important decisions (rule
changes, equipment changes, insurance rates, etc.) are based on this data.
Examples are the
swimming/diving and pole vault rule changes that have been implemented as
a result of the catastrophic injury reports.
Catastrophic
injuries are:
1. Fatalities
2. Permanent disability injuries
3.
Serious injuries (fractured neck or serious head
injuries)
even though the athlete has a full
recovery.
4. Temporary or transient
paralysis
(Athlete has no movement for a short
time but has a complete recovery.)
