Concussions are a type of brain injury that can cause lasting damage.  The days when it was encouraged to “play through” are gone.  Everyone should take concussions seriously.

SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACH/PARENT

• Appears dazed or stunned

• Is confused about assignment or position

• Forgets an instruction

• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE

• Headache or “pressure” in head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Balance problems or dizziness

• Double or blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Sensitivity to noise

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

• Concentration or memory problems

• Confusion

• Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

TYSA POLICY

TYSA follows CDC recommended actions for an athlete that may have a concussion:

1. Remove the athlete from play.
2. Keep an athlete out of play on the same day of the injury and until cleared by a health care provider. Only a health care provider should assess an athlete for a possible concussion.
3. Record and share information about the injury, such as how it happened and the athlete’s symptoms, to help a health care provider assess the athlete.
4. Inform the athlete’s parent(s) or guardian(s) about the possible concussion and refer them to a health care provider for assessment and to CDC’s website for concussion information.
5. Require an athlete’s health care provider determine the athlete may safely return to play. Before returning to play an athlete should:

• Be back to doing their regular school activities.
• Not have any symptoms from the injury when doing normal activities.
• Have a signed form from their health care provider to begin the return to play process.

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