Part I:  Emergency Action Plan:  Concussion Policy

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain normally functions. It is caused by a bump or blow to the head that forces the brain inside the skull to move back and forth. Appropriate rest from activities and schoolwork is necessary to ensure that the brain heals properly.

Preventative protective equipment requirements

Softball and Baseball:  Batters, helmets with face masks must be worn.

Softball: Pitchers, wear field masks

Soccer: Mouth guards are recommended

 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Coach?

All coaches must take a free online Concussion in Sports certification program at

http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html

The program certificate should be uploaded to “Background Manager” to prove completion.

 

At the beginning of each season a mandatory meeting with the distribution of information to parents of concussion materials. 

 

If a situation occurs, the coach meets with the child and does an on-field assessment and records the child’s current symptoms. The child must be removed from the field immediately.  Parents must be informed and should be referred to a physician immediately for all head injuries.  Each week the coach meets with the parent to review and adjust physical accommodations.

 

Coaches should remove the child and be sent to a medical official from the game if:

• Has headache

Appears dazed or stunned

• Is confused about assignment or position

• Forgets an instruction

• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

 

Return-to-Play Policy

 

Step 1: Parent must take their child to a healthcare professional for evaluation and clearance.

Step 2: The coach must provide the parent and child with concussion awareness educational materials.  This can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/youthsports/parent_athlete_info_sheet-a.pdf

Step 3: Sign (for youth players, have parent/legal guardian sign) a head injury information/awareness sheet before returning to practice or game play (last page of the PDF above).

 

Parents should:

Please seek immediate medical attention if your son/daughter exhibits the following symptoms:

•    Develops a worse headache

•    Becomes dizzy, drowsy or cannot be aroused

•    Mental confusion

•    Nausea or vomiting

•    Pupils unequal size

•    Ringing in the ears

•    Convulsions

•    Clear fluid coming from nose and/or ears

•    Anything you find unusual

 

Your son/daughter CAN:

• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headaches
• Use ice pack on head and neck as needed for comfort
• Eat a light diet
• Return to school with doctor recommendations
• Sleep without being disturbed or awoken

 

Your son/daughter CANNOT:

• Take Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin within 24 hours of head injury
• Eat spicy foods

 

Your son/daughter SHOULD AVOID:

• Watching TV                      ·  Driving
• Playing video games           · Bright environments
• Texting
• Loud environments

Resources

 

For Parents

http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/custom/headsupconcussion_fact_sheet_for_parents.pdf

 

For Coaches

http://nfhslearn.com/courses/61037/concussion-in-sports

 

Part 2:  Emergency Action Plan:  First Aid Policy

At the beginning of each season a meeting with the distribution of information where all coaches and volunteers are introduced to the basic principles of First Aid, and are therefore prepared to administer First Aid at all activities, including practices, games and tournaments. 

 

Online course for coaches

http://www.firstaidforfree.com/

The certificate can be out into a PDF and then uploaded to Background Manager.