Concussion Policy

HOW CAN I SPOT A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION? 

Athletes who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below—or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body—may have a concussion or other serious brain injury. 

SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHES OR PARENTS: 

• Appears dazed or stunned.

• Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly.

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

• Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall

SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETES: 

• Headache or “pressure” in head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision

• Bothered by light or noise

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

• Confusion, or concentration or memory problems

• Just not “feeling right”, or “feeling down”

NOTE: Concussion signs and symptoms often show up soon after the injury, but it can be hard to tell how serious the concussion is at first. Some symptoms may not be noticed or may not show up for hours or days. 

WHAT ARE SOME MORE SERIOUS DANGER SIGNS TO LOOK FOR? 

In rare cases, a dangerous collection of blood (hematoma) may form on the brain after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body and can squeeze the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 or ensure an athlete is taken to the emergency department right away if, after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, he or she has one or more of these danger signs: 

• One pupil larger than the other.

• Drowsiness or inability to wake up

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away

• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

• Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching)

• Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

• Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK AN ATHLETE HAS A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION? 

As a coach, if you think an athlete may have a concussion, you should:  REMOVE THE ATHLETE FROM PLAY and INFORM THEIR PARENTS.  When in doubt, sit them out!

KEEP AN ATHLETE WITH A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION OUT OF PLAY ON THE SAME DAY OF THE INJURY AND UNTIL CLEARED BY A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. 

Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Only a health care provider should assess an athlete for a possible concussion. After you remove an athlete with a possible concussion from practice or play, the decision about return to practice or play is a medical decision that should be made by a health care provider. As a coach, recording the following information can help a health care provider in assessing the athlete after the injury: 

• Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body

• Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long

• Any memory loss right after the injury

• Any seizures right after the injury

• Number of previous concussions (if any)

ASK FOR WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE ATHLETE’S HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ON RETURN TO PLAY.

These instructions should include information about when they can return to play and what steps you should take to help them safely return to play.