Concussions are a common injury in all contact sports. If an athlete is suspected to have a concussion, either observed by a coach, parent, referee, or another player, he/she is to be removed from the game or practice and assessed for a possible concussion. If there is not a Qualified Person (Certified & Licensed Athletic Trainer) to rule out the possibility of a concussion the athlete is to remain off the field of play.
After a suspected concussion, the athlete is not to return to play WITHOUT a Doctor's note from a Neurologist/Sports Concussion Doctor.
Coaches should remove athletes with a suspected concussion if any of the following symptoms are present after a blow to the head or sudden fall. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Loss of Consciousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Amnesia - Retrograde/Anterograde (Memory loss of events leading up to or occurring after the suspected concussion event)
- Sensitivity to light
- Irritability
- Feeling in a fog
- Loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty Concentrating
If the athlete is unresponsive, 911 should be called and the athlete monitored for Airway/Breathing/Circulation until EMS arrives. If the athlete regains consciousness before EMS arrives, keep them in a comfortable position until EMS arrives and they are able to be evaluated further.
For physician follow up, we recommend
Inova Sports Medicine.
