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Concussion Policy
Updated 3-2023 Glen Allen Youth Athletics recognizes the importance of safety for all of our participants. In this regard, the Glen Allen Youth Athletics Association has chosen to address the critical issue of Concussion Awareness by following the language set forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This includes the guidelines outlined in each of their sport rule book publications:
“Any player 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 game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.”
Education is the key to identifying and treating youth athletes who show signs of a concussion during athletic participation. It is very important that every administrator, coach, parent/guardian, officials, athlete, and health care administrator know the symptoms and steps to take when dealing with youth athletes that display signs of a possible concussion or head injury. Concussions can be a serious health issue and should be treated as such.
Glen Allen Youth Athletics Association programs shall require the following:
- League
- This policy & Heads Up fact sheet shall be posted on www.GlenAllenSports.com.
- This policy & Heads Up fact sheet shall be placed in EACH team issued medical bag.
- A training video from Center for Disease Control & Prevention shall be posted on www.glenallensports.com.
- Coaches
- Prior to the first practice, all head coaches/managers must take the training video and provide the certification to each sports director.
- Prior to the first practice or competition, all head coaches/managers must review the provided GA Concussion Fact Sheet. This sheet shall be provided at pre-season coaches meeting and/or emailed directly to head coaches.
- Coaches must share the Fact Sheet with all Assistant Coaches. It is recommended to also be referenced to parents in team pre-season parent meeting.
- Parents/Guardians & Youth Athletes
- Prior to the first practice or competition, all youth athletes and the athlete’s parent/guardian shall receive a copy of the GA Concussion Fact Sheet via email or a link to its location on the Glen Allen website. This policy and/or fact sheet may also be required as a registration acknowledgment.
- “When in doubt, sit them out”
- Any youth athlete who shows signs, symptoms, and behavior consistent with a concussion shall immediately be removed from the activity or competition for evaluation by the coach, licensed health care profession, if available, or other designated person.
- Return to Action Rule
- No youth athlete who has been removed from play due to suspected concussion shall return to practice or competition until the youth athlete is evaluated by a health care provider and receives written clearance from the health care provider for a full or graduated return to play. (Health care provider shall be a certified athletic trainer, licensed nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, medical doctor, or osteopathic physician).
Mandatory Manager/Head Coach Training Course