Glen Rock Junior Football Program, 2013

Concussion Policy Acknowledgement Form

Concussion Information - When in Doubt, Sit Them Out

In order to help protect the football players of the Glen Rock Junior Football Program (GRJF), the organization has mandated that the Glen Rock players, parents and coaches follow the Glen Rock Concussion Management Policy

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They may be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a - "ding" - or a bump on the head can be serious and should be treated as such. You can't see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child / player reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

1. Headache

2. Nausea/Vomiting

3. Balance problems or dizziness

4. Double Vision or changes to vision

5. Sensitivity to light or sound / noise

6. Feeling sluggishness or fogginess

7. Difficulty with concentration, short term memory and/or confusion

8. Irritability or agitation

9. Depression or anxiety

10. Sleep disturbance

Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches included:

1. Appears dazed, stunned or disoriented

2. Forgets plays or demonstrates short-term memory difficulties (e.g. is unsure of the game, score or opponent)

3. Exhibits difficulties with balance or coordination

4. Answers questions slowly or inaccurately

5. Loses consciousness

6. Demonstrates behavior or personality changes

7. Is unable to recall events prior to or after the hit

What can happen if my child/player keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?

Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after a concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athletes will often under report symptoms or injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for athlete's safety.

What to do if you think your child / player has suffered a concussion?

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of the how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours.

An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time and may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a medical doctor or doctor of Osteopathy, trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from the health care provider.

You should also inform your child's coach if you think your child/player may have a concussion. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.

Return to Play Guidelines

1. Immediate removal from play and no return to play that day

2. Medical evaluation to determine presence / absence of concussion

3. Completion of a symptom free week starting on the first asymptomatic day for student-athlete diagnosed with a concussion

4. Initiation of a gradual return to play / exercise protocol

5. Monitoring during this time period for any reoccurrence of symptoms

6. Remove from play/exercise and return to student's primary care physician for re-evaluation if a re-emergence of any post concussions symptoms occurs after a return to play / exercise

7. Return to the previous level of non-symptomatic activity and advancement as tolerated if concussion symptoms reoccur

8. Use of available tools such as symptom checklist, baseline, and balance. Testing is suggested.

Graduated Return To Play Exercise Protocol:

1. No activity, complete physical and cognitive rest. The objective of this step is recovery.

2. Light aerobic exercise, which includes walking, swimming or stationary cycling, keeping the intensity less than 70% maximum percentage heart rate, no resistance training. The objective of this step is increased heart rate.

3. Sport-specific exercise including running drills, no head impact activities. The objective of this step is to add movement.

4. Non-contact training drills involving progression to more complex training drills (e.g. passing drills). The student athlete may initiate progressive resistance training.

5. Following medical clearance, participating in normal training activities. The objective of the is step is to restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff

6. Return to play involving normal exertional or game activity.

NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

The content contained in this form is not intended to and does not constitute medical advice, and no doctor /patient relationship is formed. The accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. The content provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Parents/Guardians should always seek the advice of physicians or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding a medical condition or potential medical condition such as a concussion or other brain injury. Parents/Guardians should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because something contained in this written policy.