Download the parental consent form here.

Below is a letter from OAA Orthopaedic Specialists regarding a new free program they offering in conjunction with the Jim Thorpe Football Program:

In the United States, the annual incidence of high school sports-related concussions affects approximately 300,000 students. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season. Research performed by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) concludes that as many as one in five high school football players will experience a concussion this year.

Once an athlete has sustained a concussion, they may begin to suffer from Post Concussion Syndrome, with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sleep difficulties, personality change, and sensitivity to light/noise or deficits in memory or problem-solving abilities.

In response to the increasing number (and severity) of concussions each year, many of the professional sports leagues—including the NFL, NHL, WWE, and NCAA—have adopted ImPACT™ testing, which is a neurocognitive test developed for the management of sports-related concussions.

OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, in partnership with your high school Coach and Athletic Director, is excited to offer ImPACT™ testing for your athlete free of charge.

Below are common questions asked about ImPACT testing:
1. How is ImPACT testing performed?
a. ImPACT is a computer-based program that will be administered at your local high school by OAA’s ImPACT-certified Staff.

2. What is the process of Impact testing?

a. A 20-30 minute computer-based test will be performed at your local high school to determine your child’s regular brain function. In the event of a concussion, this test will allow a comparison of the post -concussion brain function of your athlete. Essentially, the baseline test is used to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete’s post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion. Prior to the athlete’s post-concussion release to participate in sports, the athlete’s neurocognitive function would need to return to these baseline scores.

3. Once the baseline test is completed, are there follow-up tests?
a. If the athlete does not sustain a concussion, then there are no follow-up tests. Once the athlete sustains a concussion, he or she will be evaluated by either your team physician or a member of OAA’s ImPACT-certified staff. Once an athlete is symptom-free, arrangements will be made for a post-injury impact test. This test, along with physical exam findings, will determine the athlete’s ability to safely return to sports participation.

4. Where will the follow-up tests take place?
a. The follow-up impact test—as well as the physical exam—will likely take place at OAA’s medical offices. A follow-up ImPACT test alone can be performed at your high school.

5. Does the PIAA require pre-participation ImPACT testing?
a. The PIAA has established guidelines for the management of concussions; however, they have not mandated neurocognitive testing. At present, State Representative Tim Briggs of Montgomery County has introduced HB 2060, which would mandate evaluation and clearance by a healthcare professional prior to an athlete’s return to play once a concussion has been sustained.

6. Can I choose to NOT have my child tested?
a. Yes. However, in the event that your child experiences a concussion, you would be responsible for having him or her evaluated through your own healthcare provider. OAA will not evaluate or clear athletes who do not have baseline tests performed.

7. What is the cost of the baseline ImPACT test?
a. The cost is FREE. As a service to our high schools, OAA is offering the baseline test at no charge. If needed, the subsequent evaluation and testing will likely be performed at your convenience during an OAA office visit.

In the next few weeks, OAA will begin to finalize testing dates with your Team Coach and school Athletic Director. Enclosed please find an information packet about ImPACT testing. You may also visit www.impacttest.com. Also enclosed is consent form that you should sign and return if you elect to have your child tested.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Brayford, DO, ATC
Medical Director, OAA Concussion Program

Download the parental consent form here.

At the March Touchdown Club meeting, the following fundraisers were scheduled:

Cookie Dough – more information will be forthcoming but please plan on having these great cookies again! All players will have the goal of selling 25 boxes so please support the players!

Sam Miller Festival -  The Touchdown Club will be at the annual Sam Miller Festival with great food for sale. On the menu:  tacos-in-a-bag, sausage & peppers and meatballs. The festival starts Friday night, May 14 and runs through the weekend with rides, music and fun!  Volunteers are needed to work the concession stand and food contributions are needed as well. Please sign up here.
 
All Players are required to sign up to assist with the concession stand.  RSVP is required by April 30th  by sending an email to annclark@ptd.net with the date and time of your preference—please provide (3) choices so we can ensure all shifts are covered. Or click here to sign-up.

We’ll let you know when you’re needed once we have all the choices submitted.

Event dates:       May 14, 15 and 16. 
Times:                Friday Evening 6-9 p.m
                          Saturday 1-11 p.m.
                          Sunday 1-7 p.m.

Car Wash – May 22, locations to be determined

Also at the meeting, Pauline Passio was elected Vice President. Thank you Pauline!

The next meeting is April 6 at 6 p.m. at the high school commons. Please join us!

Please join us on Wednesday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at the High School Commons for an important reorganization meeting.

There are several key positions up for election including Vice President.

Please be there and also do not forget to sign-up on the Volunteer page so we can update our records and make sure you’re kept informed about meetings, announcements, fundraising activities, etc.

Thank you!

The next meeting of the Touchdown Club is Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in the commons area of the high school.

The agenda includes: new officer announcements, fundraisers, publicity, field update and more. There is an open position for Vice President. Interested candidates should e-mail Ann Clark.

Please encourage as many people to come.  Please pass the word out about our club, the more people that get involved the more support we can provide the  TEAM (our children).  People working together is always the greatest achievement.

Thank you!

The Indian, created by Joni Bensinger (Carp's mom)

Tonight, the Jim Thorpe Olympian football team honored its seniors along with the band and cheerleaders at Olympian Stadium. The rescheduled Senior Night included a short parade from the high school around the block and into the stadium. Seniors were acknowledged and then everyone went to the bonfire where an “Indian” was ceremoniously thrown into the fire.

Everyone please come out to the Fan Bridge at 4:30 tomorrow to cheer the bus over Route 903 on the way to Lehighton and then come to the game.

Click here for photos from Senior Night and the bonfire. Please remember all photo purchases benefit The Touchdown Club, aka your kids!

The Touchdown Club is hosting a series of events to prepare for the big game against Lehighton this Friday. Events include crafting decorations for the Fan Bridge and Street Spirit and posting those decorations.

Fan Bridge is a new tradition in which we all stand on the Route 903 bridge, wave red, white and blue pom-poms, hold signs and cheer on the buses as they pass on their way to the football game.

This week’s game against Lehighton is a big one — we want to KEEP THE ROUTE 209 TROPHY. We need as many people as can spare the time to help make decorations.

Tonight (Tuesday, Nov. 3) 5:30, high school commons
Everyone is invited to make spirit decorations for this Wednesday’s Street Spirit and Friday’s Fan Bridge event.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5 p.m.
Meet in front of the high school to hang decorations and signs along Olympian Way and North Street.

Friday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m.
Meet at back parking lot to blow up balloons and hang them around Olympian Way and the town.

Friday, Nov. 6 at 4:30 p.m
Meet at the 903 Bridge to participate in Good Old Fashion Spirit for our new FAN BRIDGE tradition.

Parents please attend the Touchdown Club meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. in the commons to discuss the Fan Bridge for this Friday’s Lehighton football game.

The Fan Bridge is an opportunity to wish the team luck as they pass over the Route 903 bridge on their way to Lehighton.

We hold signs, shake pom-poms and get the passing cars honking in support.

The Monday meeting will firm up plans for this Friday’s Fan Bridge in support of the game against Lehighton.

Go JT!

The Touchdown Club will meet Dec. 8, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the high school. Please join us as we plan for the annual banquet and for next year’s fundraisers.

The Jim Thorpe Touchdown Club wants to publicly thank Mr. Lesisko, principal at Jim Thorpe Area High School, for the time he spends taking excellent game and player photos. Mr. Lesisko is tireless in his support of the football program and we’re grateful for everything he does!

Below are the minutes from the April 8 Touchdown Club meeting. If you are interested in volunteering for the club, please e-mail Pearl Scheckler or Lori Cinicola.

Meeting Minutes submitted by Mr. Pat Stella:
    Our next fundraiser will be held on May 10th in the form of 2 CAR WASHES.  These will take place simultaneously from 9am to 12 noon at the Jim Thorpe National Bank on Rte. #903 and the Diligent Fire Company on Center Ave. in Jim Thorpe.  
   Club fundraisers help offset the cost of Speed Camp and other programs for the student-athletes. To make arrangements for you and your child to participate in the car washes, please contact Lori Cinicola, Pearl Sheckler or Pat Stella.  Please bring your vehicles to be washed and help spread the word!  
    The cookie dough sale was a big success!  Thanks to everyone who bought and sol cookies. You should have gotten your orders and, with that, a sheet of paper saying how much each child will have to pay towards Speed Camp.  Please make sure you send in your payment by May 25th to receive the early discount.  After that, it will be full price.  When the Dance and Car Wash proceeds are in, we will notify everyone if there are additional deductions towards Speed Camp. Don’t wait for that notice to pay.
    This year we will be selling Jim Thorpe rain ponchos at the games as well as other clothing and items to help cheer on the team.  Please look for them at our booth.
    Reminder: Pictures from past games are available here for sale. We encourage you to take advantage of this offer. All proceeds go to fund Touchdown Club programs for the student-athletes.
    We also discussed our high school Olympians working with the Olympian Booster Club’s younger and future Olympian teams.  More information will be coming soon.
    Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday May 6th at 6:00 pm in the Commons of the High School.  We look forward to seeing you there!!!!!!