Concussion Awareness
ROLAX 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 association 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.
Registered ROLAX coaches should 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.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
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. These changes in the brain lead to symptoms that may affect how a child thinks, learns, feels, acts, and sleeps. Source CDC: Heads Up
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
These signs or symptoms may be observed following a direct or indirect blow to the head or body and could indicate a concussion/traumatic brain injury.
The lists below are not exhaustive, any concern for a concussion or head injury should be evaluated by an appropriately trained medical professional before the player returns to activity.
Not all signs and symptoms are immediate. Players should be evaluated hours and or/days after a blow when appropriate.
SIGNS OBSERVED BY OTHERS
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 or after a hit or fall
SIGNS OBSERVED BY THE PLAYER
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"
CONCUSSION ACTION PLAN
If a concussion is suspected the following steps will be taken:
- 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
- Coaches will notify the ROLAX board of suspected concussion.
- 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.
- ROLAX will work with the parents and the player to follow a safe return to play plan on the advice of their consulted medical professional.
