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Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

Novant Concussion Baseline Testing

We are very fortunate to partner with Novant Health to support the health and wellness of our members.  As part of that partnership, we are able to offer free baseline concussion testing for all of our members (ages 13+).  ImPACT Baseline Concussion Testing is a simple test and can be completed online. Once this baseline test is completed, results will be stored in Novant’s database. If you have a head injury or think you have a concussion any time after taking the test, the results may be sent to the physician of family choice, to assist with the assessment of the injury and return-to-play decisions.  Novant Health Sports Medicine physicians are certified ImPACT clinicians.  To find a Novant Health Sports Medicine physician near you, or for more information about services, visit:  https://novanthealth.org/sports or email Mark Ramsey at [email protected]

Important Information about the ImPact Baseline Concussion Testing:

  •  The results are not valid for children under age 13 and children under that age should not take the test.
  •  Adult assistance may be needed for those ages 13 to 17 to get the test started, but there should be no direct supervision or interaction once the test begins.
  •  Allow your child to take the test independently.
  •  The test is only required every three years.*  If your player has taken the assessment within the last 3 years, it is not necessary to take again at this time. (Ideal testing is once in Middle School and once in High School)
  • If players have taken the test with another sport or school, there is no requirement to test with Rapids
*DA players are required to take the test annually, per US Soccer Guidelines

Before you begin:

  • Write down the following security code: 7U6J7P664U This code is case sensitive and you will need it to access the test after your payment is received. (You will not be able to access this code later.)
  •  Choose a testing environment that is quiet and free of distractions. This includes personal interruptions, cell phone, iPod, or other electronic devices.
  •  Be sure that you have at least 30 minutes to take the test.
  •  Do not use a laptop computer unless you have an external mouse (touchpad controllers will not work).
  •  Remember that we will use this test to help treat your child, if they sustain a concussion.  Remember to take the test seriously and your child tries their best.  If there is an attempt to purposely miss questions, the system will note it and they will need to repeat the test.
  •  This is a difficult test; do not be discouraged by incorrect answers – just continue to give your best effort.
  •  You will need the Adobe Flash Player Plug-in to take the test. See the attached “Tech Facts” to assist in making sure you are ready to begin testing.
  •  Disable your pop up blocker setting on your browser if you use one.
  •  Any technical issues should be directed to ImPact ([email protected]), as we are not able to troubleshoot in the Rapids office!
  •  Read more information on our website here http://www.carolinarapids.org/Default.aspx?tabid=296971

Begin testing at:

www.impacttestonline.com/presbyteriansportsmedicine  


US Soccer Concussion Initiatives

In the next few months US Soccer will implement a new comprehensive player safety program across the country.  This is in part due to a recent resolution of a concussion lawsuit.  Some of you may have received an e-mail from North Carolina Youth Soccer Association on this same subject.  The specific initiatives will include modifications to substitution rules in relation to concussions, eliminating heading for players 10 & under as well as training guidelines for all ages.  Included below are links for additional information and FAQ’s on the recent announcement:  

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/11/09/22/57/151109-ussoccer-provides-additional-information-about-upcoming-player-safety-campaign 

http://www.ussoccer.com/about/federation-services/sports-medicine/player-safety-campaign/2015-player-safety-campaign-faqs

 

At Carolina Rapids, the safety of our players is the most important aspect of our club, and we already strongly believe in age appropriate training techniques as well as game format and structure to support the proper development of our players.  As it relates to concussions and heading training, here are some measures already in place at the Carolina Rapids:

  • Free Baseline Concussion Testing with our partners Novant
  • Heading is not part of the curriculum for U5, U6, U7, U8, U9 and U10 age groups.  The Girls Youth Academy utilizes foam balls 1 or 2 times a year, but does not teach heading with soccer balls on an entire training session. 
  • The use of the “new ball” technique in the U5, U6 and U7 age group helps to reduce further the chances of any heading or aerial collisions in those age groups.
  • U8, U9 and U10 are all taught to utilize the throw in as an attempt to maintain possession and not a 50/50 aerial challenge.
  • U9 and U10 – the Goal Keeper cannot punt the ball.  Instead the ball must be played on the ground, which reduces the number of aerial challenges. 
  • The Rapids Playing Style is for the ball to be on the ground, and we try to play through the lines, which should limit the number of aerial challenges.
  • U11 and up players at the club have a balanced curriculum that evenly spreads all learning topics throughout the year and career.  Heading is given the age appropriate focus it is needed throughout our age groups.  When teaching the topic we limit the repetitions for the players, foam balls, 5-10 yard underhanded throws etc when focusing on it within a training session.
  • We have introduced Futsal into our curriculum two years ago to further develop our playing style that ultimately limits aerial challenges.  A Futsal ball is much heavier than a regular soccer ball which prevents the ball from leaving the surface of the court.
  • Our competitive coaching staff are all certified in CPR and First Aid through our partners, Novant.
  • Our extensive coaching education within the Adidas Rapids Alliance and Novant Health sees our staff constantly updated in the sports science world.

Heading is a technique within the game of soccer, and it has a fundamental role within the game.  The proper technique of heading is introduced to players at an appropriate age.  We also recognize the volume and frequency within a training session as well as a season is closely monitored, which is a part of our curriculum.  We will continue to monitor and follow developments in guidance received from Novant Health, the Adidas Rapids Alliance and US Soccer to update our approach in this area.

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