Concussion Safety Protocol Template
Concussion Safey Protocol FAQs

FLUSHING, N.Y. (Dec. 7, 2021) – In an effort to further show our commitment to the highest level of health care for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) is pleased to announce a CUNY-Wide Concussion Protocol Template and Baseline Testing application for all University intercollegiate student-athletics.
 
In July of 2020, a CUNY Concussion Protocol Working Group was created to develop protocols in an effort to educate, prevent, identify, evaluate, and manage concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The working group includes members from the CUNYAC, the Office of General Counsel (OGC), the Office of Risk, Audit and Compliance (RAC), as well as campus representatives from Baruch College, Lehman College, College of Staten Island, Hunter College, John Jay College, Queens College, and Queensborough Community College. The team was further charged with providing guidance involving best practices and frequently asked questions to all athletic directors, coaches and trainers on the expectations and responsibilities in compliance with the NCAA requirements and the settlement agreement in Arrington v. NCAA.
 
To help implement the concussion protocols, the campuses will be utilizing Sway Medical, a mobile application and web-based portal that will allow colleges to ensure the wellbeing of our student-athletes by accurately and efficiently performing baseline and post injury concussion testing. Sway Medical enables health care professionals to objectively assess a patient's balance, track recovery from an injury, and detect instability from medication changes.
 
"We are very grateful to the Working group for their stellar work in moving this process along to a great conclusion and another needed level of support and protection for our student-athletes," CUNYAC Commissioner Zak Ivkovic said. "By partnering with Sway, we are meeting and exceeding the needs of our teams in providing real-time concussion support, regardless of whether their athletic activities are on or off-campus."

"At the Office of Risk, Audit and Compliance, we are committed to supporting our student-athletes with preventative measures as it relates to injuries as well as diagnosis. Our partnership with Sway Medical speaks to our commitment to our student-athletes and their health and safety" said Jamie Reyes, RAC's Director of Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management. "By instituting a university-wide concussion protocol, campus personnel will be able to easily identify concussions, stay in compliance with the NCAA, and reduce the risk of long-term complications to our students."
 
Baseline testing will be conducted prior to participation in any activity related to intercollegiate athletic participation, including but not limited to pre-season workouts and non-traditional season workouts. Testing is recommended for each student-athlete prior to the first practice of each season, even if they have previously completed a baseline test that academic year. 
 
This is yet another initiative by the conference office in helping our members return to competition in 2021-22. Last September, in collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery, the Official Hospital of the CUNY Athletic Conference, the league announced the formation of the CUNYAC Sports Medicine Advisory Team, tasked with providing direction to all 13 CUNYAC member campuses for a safe return to play for all sports competitions and championships, including on-site management of student-athletes and essential personnel, nonessential personnel and fans. 

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