South Riding Stingrays Concussion Protocol

 

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters normal brain function. A concussion is a complex injury to the brain that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. Concussions will lead to a variety of symptoms including physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. The symptoms of concussions can last minutes to months or longer. It is very important that if a child suffers a concussion that they not continue playing sports until a doctor has cleared them to return to play. 

Concussion Education

South Riding Stingrays is dedicated to concussion education, prevention and recognition. Parents will be provided with concussion education materials and where to obtain additional information. Parents and coaches will also be provided information regarding concussion protocols, signs and symptoms of concussion and recovery/safe return to play from concussions. All coaches and officials must be current in concussion education once per calendar year. All coaches will be provided with information regarding concussion protocols.

Heads Up Concussion Training

Athlete and Coach Requirements

All athletes MUST immediately report a concussion to the head coach, even if the concussion occurred at a non-CSL event. All protocols, including return to play, are to be followed. Failure to report a concussion and/or failure to follow the concussion protocol outlined will results in immediate disciplinary action

 

All South Riding Stingrays’ coaches and volunteers MUST report a suspected or confirmed concussion. Coaches must then follow the protocols outlined in this policy. Failure to follow the concussion policy will result in disciplinary action. 

South Riding Stingrays Injury Report Procedure

  1. The head coach must be notified of a possible, suspected, or confirmed concussion.
  2. The head coach will then notify the South Riding Stingrays’ President of the injury.
  3. The swimmer and coach will follow the return to play protocol outlined by a licensed physician.
  4. The head coach submits the ACE care plan (see attachment)  to South Riding Stingrays President  where it is reviewed. 
  5. Once the ACE care plan form is accepted, the swimmer will be notified of return to play status.
  6. All documents pertaining to the swimmer’s concussion are filed with South Riding Stingrays President and will be kept on file for a minimum of 7 years.
     

Concussion Protocol
 

Did a concussion occur?

  • Swimmer will be evaluated for signs and symptoms of a concussion listed below

Is Emergency Treatment Required?

  • One pupil larger than the other
  • Drowsiness or cannot be awakened
  • An all over headache that gets worse and does not go away
  • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Difficulty recognizing people or places
  • Increasing confusion, restlessness or agitation
  • Loss of consciousness (even if brief loss of consciousness)

If ANY of the above symptoms are present the swimmer needs to be seen immediately by a physician and 911 will be called immediately for transport

 

A possible concussion occurred (one or more symptoms of concussion but no emergency symptoms):

  • Player will immediately be removed from the pool/competition, training, activity and not allowed to return for at least 24 hour duration even if symptoms have subsided
  • Parents will be notified immediately of possible concussion and removal from all South Riding Stinger activities for a duration of at least 24 hours 
  • South Riding Stingrays will monitor the child every 10 minutes for the remainder of the activity until parents arrive and parents should continue to monitor their child at home until able to be seen by a licensed healthcare provider. 
  • Swimmer MUST be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider and provide written clearance using the Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) Care Plan before returning to play. Licensed healthcare providers include primary care physicians, MD, DO and NP. Swimmers may not be cleared by an emergency room physician, urgent care physician, chiropractor or physical therapist.

Return to Play Protocol After Sustaining a Concussion

A swimmer will not be able to return to play without providing the coach with an appropriately signed and completed ACE Care Plan form. 

 

The Return to Play protocol is a five-day progressive program that ensures an athlete can begin physical activity and return to full participation without recurrence of symptoms. If the athlete experiences symptoms during the Return to Play process, the swimmer will need to restart the five days and may need to see their health care provider. 

 

How to Recognize a Concussion

 

Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms observed

  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about events after injury
  • Repeat questions
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump or fall
  • Can’t recall events after the hit, bump or fall
  • Loses consciousness (even if brief)
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Forgetful

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache or pressure in head
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Fatigue or feeling tired
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity of noise/ringing in ears
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Does not “feel right”

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty remembering 
  • Feeling more slowed down
  • Feeling sluggish/hazy/foggy

Emotional Symptoms

  • Irritable, Sad
  • More emotional than usual
  • Nervous