concussion policy

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The following Concussion Policy will be strictly adhered to and followed by all persons and teams participating in activities at Sports World. All players will be subject to the rules and guidelines provided.

A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head or body that can result in the impairment of normal brain functions. Concussion symptoms can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that can include unconsciousness, dizziness, memory loss and impairment of balance and coordination.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussions

Signs and Symptoms of Concussions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Headaches

• Loss of Consciousness

• Nausea / Vomiting

• Loss of Balance

• Disorientation

• Ringing Sensation in Ears

• Difficulty Concentrating/Remembering

• Personality Changes

• Changes with Vision

• Amnesia & Memory Loss

• Sensitivity to light

• Slurred Speech

• Impaired Motor Responses

• Dizziness

• Neck Pain

Concussion Protocol

The following are based on US Youth Soccer Protocol and CDC guidelines:

When a player is involved in an accident or collision on the field that involves a blow to the head or sudden jarring / violent shaking of the head and neck areas, the responsible adult(s) trained in concussion protocols should evaluate the player for Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussions listed above.

If Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussions are identified, then the following steps should be followed:

1.     Identify signs that a concussion may have occurred by looking for Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussions listed above

2.     Determine if Emergency Treatment is required.  Symptoms requiring Emergency Treatment may include:

                                                 i.     Injuries to the spine or neck

                                                  ii.     Loss of Consciousness (Any changes in level of consciousness or loss of consciousness)

                                                 iii.     Behavioral changes and slurred speech

                                                 iv.     Difficulty breathing

If any of the above signs and symptoms are present, immediately contact an Ambulance for transport.

3.     If a possible Concussion has occurred, but emergency treatment is not required, the following procedures should

 be followed:

                                                   i.     Every 5-10 minutes for the next 1-2 hours, look for possible symptoms by focusing on the following key areas:

a.     Speech – blurred or impaired

b.     Vision – blurred or impaired

c.     Balance – loss of or diminished

d.     Mental Acuity – impaired or diminished memory and attention

Once a player is removed from the field due to a possible concussion, the player will not be able to return to return to the activities on the field until they are evaluated by a licensed health care provider and provided with a written clearance by the health care provider. Licensed health care providers include certified athletic trainers licensed in Maryland, a medical doctor (MD), preferably a neurologist or a primary care physician, a doctor of osteopath (DO) or a neuropsychologist PhD.