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Board approves updated concussion management protocol required by new state law
Summary
Trustees approved the district’s 2025–26 concussion management protocol, citing new state requirements (referred to as "Natasha's Law") and emphasizing return-to-learn before return-to-play and a minimum wait period before resuming athletics.
The Santa Fe ISD Board of Trustees voted Sept. 15 to approve the district’s updated concussion management protocol for 2025–26.
District staff explained the change responds to recent state legislation cited in the meeting as “Natasha’s Law,” which requires school districts to adopt and review concussion protocols annually. The protocol details who comprises the concussion team, required training for coaches and trainers, identification and management steps for suspected concussions, and stages for a student’s return to learning and to extracurricular activities.
Coach Ryder, who addressed the board during the presentation, emphasized that the protocol prioritizes the student’s academic recovery: the protocol states an unrestricted return to sports will not occur before an unrestricted return to school-based learning. Staff noted there is a minimum 72-hour (three-day) waiting period before beginning the stepwise return-to-play process, even after a student has returned to learning.
Trustees asked about on-site identification and tools. Presenters said coaches are trained to recognize common concussion symptoms and will remove athletes for evaluation; certified medical professionals and trainers use specific evaluation tools and are responsible for formal diagnosis and clearance. The district noted use of prevention measures (for example, guardian caps in practices and scrimmages, and other protective equipment) and training requirements under University Interscholastic League (UIL) and state rules.
A board member moved to approve the updated concussion protocol; a second followed and the item passed by vote.
The board approved the protocol by motion; staff indicated trainers and medical professionals will follow the approved protocol and the district will continue required annual approvals and training.
