Sports-Related Concussion Management

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Sports-Related Concussion Management
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1.0 Purpose

• Recognizing that concussions are a common problem
  in sports and have the potential for serious
  complications if not managed correctly, the Board
  established this policy, J-17.

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2.0 Definitions

• 2.1 Concussions-sometimes called mild traumatic
  brain injuries (MTBI) are caused by a bump, blow,
  or jolt to the head.

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Definitions (continued)

• 2.2 Confused State- a dazed look, vacant stare,
  or confusion about what has happened or is
  happening.
• 2.3 Memory Problems-cant remember assignment on
  play, opponent, score of game, or period of the
  game cant remember how or with whom he or she
  traveled to the game, what he or she was wearing,
  what was eaten for breakfast, etc.
• 2.4 Lack of sustained attention-difficulty
  sustaining focus adequately to complete a task, a
  coherent thought, or a conversation.

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Definitions (continued)

• 2.5 Speed of brain function-slow response to
  questions, slow slurred speech, incoherent
  speech, slow body movements, slow reaction time.
• 2.6 Unusual behaviors-behaving in a combative,
  aggressive or very silly manner or just atypical
  for the individual. Repeatedly asking the same
  question over and over. Restless and irritable
  behavior with constant motion and attempt to
  return to play or leave. Changing position
  frequently and having trouble resting or finding
  a comfortable position.

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Definitions (continued)

• 2.7 Health care professional- a licensed medical
  doctor or doctor of osteopathy.
• 2.8 Neurocognitive assessment- a series of tests
  that measure how well a persons brain is
  functioning, especially in areas of attention,
  concentration, memory, information processing
  speed and reacting time.
• 2.9 Physical exam-an exam conducted by the health
  care professional that assesses basic life
  support functions as well as neurological
  screenings that may include assessing speech for
  fluency and lack of slurring, eye motion,
  pronator drift and gait assessment.

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3.0 Procedures

• Signs and symptoms of a concussion can appear
  immediately or days or weeks after the injury.
  The signs and symptoms of a concussion may
  include, but are not limited to the following

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3.1a Signs observed by the coaching staff

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about an assignment
• Forgets play
• Is unsure of game, sport, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Loses consciousness

• Answers questions slowly
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Cant recall events prior to hit
• Cant recall events after hit

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3.1b Symptoms reported by the athlete

• Headache
• Nausea
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or fuzzy vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish

• Feeling foggy or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion

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Procedures (continued)

• 3.2 When a player is suspected of having a
  concussion, non-health care professionals shall
  not judge the severity of the suspected injury.
  The following procedures are to be implemented

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3.2 Procedures (continued)

• 3.2a Remove the player from action. Athletes who
  exhibit signs or symptoms of concussions shall be
  immediately evaluated, via a physical exam and
  neurocognitive assessment, by a health care
  professional. If no health care professional is
  available, the athlete shall be referred at once
  for emergency care and not be allowed to return
  to action until evaluated by a health care
  professional.

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3.2 Procedures (continued)

• 3.2b Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a
  health care professional. After a physical exam
  and neurocognitive assessment by a health care
  professional, if it is determined the athlete has
  suffered a concussion, the athlete shall not be
  allowed to return to action until medical
  clearance by the health care professional has
  been granted and then must follow a progression
  of increased level of activities with provisions
  for delayed return to action based on return of
  any signs or symptoms.

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3.2b Procedures (continued)

• If, after a physical exam and neurocognitive
  assessment, it is determined by the health care
  professional that the athlete did not suffer a
  concussion, the athlete may return to action as
  deemed appropriate by the health care
  professional.

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3.2 c Procedures

• Inform the athletes parents or guardians about
  the known or possible concussion and give them
  the fact sheet on concussions.

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Procedures (continued)

• 3.3 An athlete who has suffered a concussion and
  has been cleared for return to action by a health
  care professional should follow a progression of
  increased level of activities with provisions for
  delayed return to action based on return of any
  signs or symptoms.

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3.3 Procedures (continued)

• 3.3a No activity with complete physical and
  cognitive rest
• 3.3b Light aerobic exercise (less than 70 of
  maximum heart rate)
• 3.3c Sport-specific exercise (drills specific to
  the athletes sport

• 3.3d Non-contact training drills (more intense
  sport drills with no contact from other players.
• 3.3e Full contact practice
• 3.3f Return to action (normal game play)

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3.3 Procedures (continued)

• If any symptoms occur during the progression, the
  athlete should drop back to the previous level
  and try to complete that level after a 24-hour
  rest period.

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3.4 and 3.5 Procedures

• 3.4 All coaches and athletic trainers shall
  receive training in the recognition of signs and
  symptoms of a concussion and the proper
  management of suspected concussions.
• 3.5 All athletes and parents shall be provided
  information about the signs and symptoms of a
  concussion and what to do if a concussion is
  suspected.

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Severability

• If any portion of this policy or the application
  thereof to any person or circumstances is held
  invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other
  provisions or application of this policy.