Concussion Policy

Last Updated: July 2016

(Image Source: PhysiciansER.net)

In recent years, there has been an emphasis placed on the diagnosis and prevention of concussions in sports.  In the old days, after a player suffers a big hit or fall, if they knew how many fingers you were holding up, then they were good to go.  With modern research, we now know that the symptoms of concussions can be much more subtle, but the effects of a concussion can be traumatic and long-lasting.  This is why it is important that as officials, we understand the signs and symptoms of a concussion and take the appropriate actions.

NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) has implemented a standard rule change in all sports as it pertains to dealing with athletes and concussions.  PVOA has adopted the NFHS policy and ask that it be enforced as a point of emphasis across all levels and sports.

VHSL (the Virginia High School League) has a page on their website dedicated to concussion awareness and prevention.  Visit that page here.

NFHS Concussion Policy:

Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of  consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. 

Definitions:

Concussion:

A concussion is traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function.  An athlete does not have to lose consciousness (be "knocked out") to have suffered a concussion.

Healthcare Professional:

Can be defined as "physicians (MD/DO)", "medical professional", "medical staff", and/or "medical provider". 

Identifying Concussions:

Behaviors or Signs to Indicate a Possible Concussions:

• Loss of consciousness
• Appears dazed, stunned, or confused
• Forgets plays
• Unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Memory loss
• Behavior/personality changes

Symptoms of Concussions:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Double/fuzzy vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Feeling sluggish

What do we do as officials?

If you suspect that a player is suffering from a possible concussion (as a result of something that happens during the game or before the game), stop the game and remove that player from play.  That player can only come back into play once evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Note: At the high school/scholastic levels, school provided athletic trainers are considered healthcare professional.  At the house and recreation levels, there is no sanctioned healthcare professional.  If a player is removed from the game because that player has exhibited signs and symptoms of a concussion, that player is done for the remainder of the game.

Err on the side of caution as this is an issue of player safety.

When you observe a player exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a concussion, stop play, and tell the coach: "Coach, this player [identify player] needs to be removed because he/she is showing symptoms associated with a concussion."