Concussion Incident Policy and Protocol
CONCUSSION INCIDENT POLICY
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Definition - A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. Medically, a concussion is a complex, pathophysiological event to the brain that is induced by trauma which may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. Concussion results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. Signs or symptoms may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months or even longer in some cases.
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Any player exhibiting the signs or symptoms of a concussion or traumatic brain injury while participating in a UDFC-sanctioned activity (training, games, tournaments, scrimmages) shall immediately be removed by the coach from the activity for evaluation.
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A player shall not be allowed to participate in a club activity if they have a possible concussion or have been diagnosed with a concussion received from a non-UDFC activity.
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A player with a possible concussion may not return to UDFC-sponsored soccer activities until evaluated and cleared for return by a health care provider trained in the evaluation and diagnosis of concussions.
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A player diagnosed with a concussion may not return to UDFC-sponsored soccer activities without written clearance by a health care provider specializing in concussion treatment and management.
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A coach found in violation of this policy shall be subject to the following minimum penalties:
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For a first violation, suspension from coaching for the remainder of the season.
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For a second violation, suspension from all soccer activity for the remainder of the season and for the next season.
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For a third violation, permanent suspension from all soccer activity.
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PROTOCOL FOR A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION AT UDFC TRAININGS AND COMPETITIONS
Step 1: Is emergency treatment needed?
Emergency treatment (i.e., call 911) is required in any of the following scenarios:
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Spine or neck injury or pain
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Behavior patterns change, unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual
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Loss of consciousness
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Seizures
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Very drowsy / can't be awakened
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Repeated vomiting
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Increasing confusion or irritability
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Weakness or numbness in arms and legs
Step 2: Did a possible concussion occur?
Remove the player from the activity and conduct a side-line assessment.
Note if any of the following signs and/or symptoms are present:
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Dazed look or confusion about what happened; inability to mentally focus
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Difficulty with memory and/or answering questions
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Neck pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision or sensitivity to noises.
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Slow reaction time, slurred speech, fatigue, or other abnormal physical behavior.
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Coordination skills are below baseline tests for example, balance, reaction time, memory.
Step 3: If a possible concussion occurred, but no emergency medical treatment is needed, what should be done now?
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Continue monitoring the player for the next 30 minutes. Even if there are no further signs or symptoms of concussion, the player shall not return to UDFC activities.
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Notify the player’s parent/guardian. Advise the parent/guardian to seek prompt medical evaluation.
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The player should be monitored for signs of concussion symptoms regularly for the next 1-2 hours and should not partake in any physical activities for at least 24 hours.
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The player will not be permitted to leave without a parent/guardian or another adult after the parent/guardian has been notified.
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Notify the Concussion Coordinator via phone or email within 2 hours of the end of the game/training.
Step 4: Documentation
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The Concussion Notification Form is to be completed and signed in duplicate by a team official.
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If the player is able to do so, have the player sign and date the Form. Otherwise, note “unavailable” on the player’s signature line.
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Have a parent/guardian of the player, if present, sign and date the Form and keep one of the copies. If the parent/guardian is not present, the team official is responsible for notifying the parent/guardian by phone or email and providing a copy of the Form by email or mail within 24 hours.
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A copy of the signed Form must be submitted to the UDFC Concussion Coordinator within 48 hours with a notation how the parent/guardian was notified if the Form is not signed by the parent/guardian.
Step 5: Conditions for return to play
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A player with a possible concussion may return to play only after being cleared for activity by a health care professional trained in concussion diagnosis.
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A player diagnosed with a concussion may return to play only after providing written clearance from a health care professional specializing in concussion treatment and management.