NRVLC Concussion Policy
NRVLC is committed to player safety and well-being. We acknowledge that concussions are a serious injury. Coaches and other on-field personnel will be trained to identify symptoms of a possible concussion, remove players from games or practices immediately, and communicate with both the parents and the club regarding the situation. Any player experiencing concussion-like symptoms will be removed from participation until they have been assessed and cleared to play (in writing) by an appropriate healthcare professional.
All NRVLC coaches will complete the HEADS UP Concussion Training for Coaches. The goals of this training are: to lower the chances of a concussion on the field, to be able spot the signs of a possible concussion, to protect athletes from injury and to help athletes have a good recovery.
Parents and athletes should notify NRVLC of previous concussions, sustained during any sport or activity, prior to play.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION
SIGNS OBSERVED BY OTHERS FOLLOWING A DIRECT OR INDIRECT BLOW TO THE HEAD
☞ 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
SIGNS REPORTED BY THE ATHLETE FOLLOWING A DIRECT OR INDIRECT BLOW TO THE HEAD
☞ Headache or “pressure” in head
☞ Nausea or vomiting
☞ Balance problems or dizziness
☞ Double or blurry vision
☞ Sensitivity to light or noise
☞ Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
☞ Concentration or memory problems
☞ Confusion
☞ Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down
NRVLC CONCUSSION ACTION PLAN
If a concussion is suspected the following steps will be taken on the field:
- The player will be removed from play for the remainder of the day. "When in doubt, sit them out."
- The player's parents will be notified and asked to watch for signs of a concussion.
- If a player is displaying signs of a concussion, they should be evaluated by a trained medical professional.
- Written instructions from a medical professional should outline when the player can return to sports and when a healthcare provider should be contacted about concerns.
- NRVLC will work with the parents, the player and their medical professionals to create a safe return to play plan.