Introduction

The Cheverly Boys and Girls Club (“CBGC”) has developed policies and provided recommendations for the implementation of concussion awareness programs for its athletes, their parents or guardians, and their coaches. The CBGC has also developed recommendations on the management and treatment of athletes suspected or diagnosed with having sustained a concussion. These recommendations, in addition to the accompanying recommended forms, provide guidance for both the athlete’s exclusion from play as well as their return to the practice and game field.

The provisions of the policies and plan call for training coach as well as providing awareness to all athletes and their parents or guardians on:

 

The nature and risk of a concussion or head injury

• The criteria for removal of from and return to play
• The risk of not reporting injury
• Appropriate academic accommodations
• The provisions also mandate written verification of:
  • The coach receiving concussion awareness training
  • The student-athlete and parent or guardian acknowledging receipt of concussion awareness information

 

The CBGC has formulated the following procedures regarding concussion awareness and training.

Definitions

Concussion – a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) causing an immediate and, usually short-lived change in mental status or an altercation of normal consciousness resulting from a bump, blow, jolt, shaking or spinning of the head or body.

Graduated return to play protocols- the progressive return to play stages included in the Policies and Programs on Concussions for the CBGC.

Return to play – participation in a non-medically supervised practice of athletic competition after a period of exclusion.

Athlete – a person participating in any tryout, practice, or contest of a CBGC team.

Club personnel – those directly responsible for administering or coaching an athletic program associated with the CBGC.

Youth sports program – a program organized for recreational athletic competition and instruction for participants who are younger than 19 years old.
 

 

Concussion Awareness for Athletes, Parents or Guardians and CBGC Personnel

The CBGC will assure that athletes, parents or guardians, and coaches have access to an materials published by the CDC covering:

• The nature and risk of a concussion or head injury
• The criteria for removal and return to play
• The risks of not reporting injury and continuing to play

 

The CBGC will use materials from The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) tools for youth sports coaches, parents, athletes, and health care professionals provide important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion, and are available at

http://www.cdc.gov/HeadsUp/index.html

 

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Removal and Return to Play

After an appropriate medical assessment, any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion shall immediately be removed from practice or play. The athlete shall not return to play until cleared by a licensed health care provider authorized to approve return to play. As part of the protocol, a parent, guardian or emergency contact must be notified in person or by telephone and in writing immediately after an athlete sustains a suspected concussion.

 

Recommendations for Concussion Injury Mitigation in Contact Sports

While activities classified as Contact Sports are not specifically structured to provide for intentional physical contact between participants, the incidence of game/sport related contact between players and/or equipment cannot be totally avoided.  Providing athletes with proper instruction and drills emphasizing proper techniques should contribute to a lower rate of concussion injury.

Research has demonstrated that the rate of concussion in contact sports indicates the need for special emphasis on specific sports related skills. Thus the instruction and drill of proper techniques in these specific sport segments is essential in order to minimize potential for injury.

 

Graduated Return to Play Protocol

STAGE 1: LIGHT AEROBIC ACTIVITY

Begin stage 1 when: Athlete is cleared by health care provider and has no symptoms.

Sample activities for stage 1: 20-30 minutes walking or jogging

STAGE 2: HEAVY AEROBIC AND STRENGTH ACTIVITY

Begin stage 2 when: 24 hours have passed since athlete began stage 1 AND athlete has not experienced any return of symptoms in the previous 24 hours.

Sample activities for stage 2: Progressive resistance training workout consisting of the following:

• Four laps around field and Ten 60 yard sprints.

STAGE 3: FUNCTIONAL, INDIVIDUAL SPORT-SPECIFIC DRILLS WITHOUT RISK OF CONTACT

Begin stage 3 when: 24 hours have passed since athlete began stage 2 AND athlete has not experienced any return of symptoms in the previous 24 hours.

Sample activities for stage 3: 30-45 minutes of functional/sport specific drills coordinated by coach. NOTE: no heading of soccer ball.

STAGE 4: NON-CONTACT PRACTICE

Begin stage 4 when: 24 hours have passed since athlete began stage 3 AND athlete has not experienced any return of symptoms in the previous 24 hours.

Sample activities for stage 4: Full participation in team’s regular strength and conditioning program. NOTE: no heading of soccer ball.

STAGE 5: FULL-CONTACT PRACTICE AND FULL PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Begin stage 5 when: 24 hours have passed since athlete began stage 4 AND athlete has not experienced any return of symptoms in the previous 24 hours.

Sample activities for stage 5: Unrestricted participation in practices.

STAGE 6: RETURN TO GAME

Begin stage 6 when: 24 hours have passed since athlete began stage 5 AND athlete has not experienced any return of symptoms in the previous 24 hours. 

 

Care Coordination Roles and Responsibilities

Providing appropriate support for an athlete who sustained a TBI/concussion requires a coordinated and collaborative team approach. The athlete, parent, and CBGC Administration and Coaches are integral partners in the management of TBIs/concussions. The roles and responsibilities of team members for the management of athletes with a suspected or diagnosed TBI/concussion may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Athlete

• Notify appropriate CBGC coaching staff and parents/guardians about any head injuries
• Increase education about and awareness of TBIs/concussions including an understanding of signs and symptoms.
• Immediately inform CBGC coaching staff and parents/guardians in the event of injury and suspected TBI/concussion.
• Participate in care planning, including accommodations for return to play authorization.

Parent/Guardian

• Integral part of the process of planning, and coordination of care for the health and safety of the athlete.
• Increase education about and awareness of TBIs/concussions.
• Provide the CBGC with emergency contact information that is accurate and updated as needed.
• Provide the school with complete and accurate medical information related to the student’s TBI/concussion including written health care provider documentation.

CBGC Administration

• Leader of the Club
• Oversee/ensure implementation of club policies and protocols.
• Communicate the importance of concussion management to all necessary staff.
• Encourage communication between all parties.
• Ensure concussion materials are available to coaches, athletes, and parents.

 Coaches

• Provides leadership and adhere to the CBGC’s policies regarding concussion.
• Supervision of the sport team to which he/she is assigned.
• Ensure coaching staff, assistant coaches, parents/guardians, and students are educated about concussions.
• Review safety techniques, sportsmanship, and proper equipment with athletes.
• Understand the sport and create drills, practice sessions, and instruction to reinforce safety.
• During practice and /or contests, remove an athlete if a TBI/concussion is suspected.
• Contact parent/guardian to pick up athlete or call 911 if appropriate or parents cannot be located.
• Provide parent and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with information about injury or suspected TBI/concussion including signs and symptoms observed.
• Follow up with parents/guardian regarding athlete’s well-being.