Lebco United / Rising Star
Concussion Information Packet
1) A Parent’s Guide to Concussion In Sports
2) Heads Up: A fact sheet for athletes
3) Concussion Information
4) Concussion Management Policy
At Rising Star and Lebco United, the health and safety of our athletes has always been our top
priority. In recent years, medical research has increasingly confirmed the potential long term effects
of repeated, untreated head injuries among athletes. Because of this, we want to use all measures
possible to properly assess the severity of concussions and promote a safe return to play.
Concussion Information
Possible Concussion Symptoms May Include:
Headache, Nausea, neck pain, balance problems, dizziness, double vision/changes in vision, sensitivity
to light or noise, ringing in ears, feeling foggy or groggy, concentration or memory problems,
confusion, sleep disturbance
Parents should be aware of the following in the first 24 hours:
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Do not leave your child alone for long periods of time
Only use acetaminophen products (Tylenol) if needed
Avoid bright, loud noisy environments
Look for change in normal sleeping pattern (sleeps more than usual or cannot sleep)
Avoid excessive visual and mental activity i.e.: computers, video games, phones and texting,
IPods
Avoid physical activity
Be aware of changes or signs/symptoms that have got worse
Talk with your child’s certified athletic trainer/school nurse/coach regularly
If you have any doubts, seek medical attention immediately!!
Parents: The following information is designed to assist you deal with your child’s recent head
trauma. It should not replace medical attention. If you have any doubts, seek medical attention. Any
head, face or jaw injury has the potential to be dangerous. The danger may not appear immediately.
Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours, or days to
fully appear.
If any of the following symptoms appear, the athlete should be taken to the hospital or family
physician immediately:
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Severe or increasing headache
Inability to arouse or awaken the athlete
Pupils of unequal size
Can’t recognize people or places
Blurred or Double Vision that doesn’t resolve
Increased Confusion or Irritability
Convulsions
Repeated vomiting
Numbness or lack of control or arms or legs
Slurred speech
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Unusual behavior changes
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT POLICY
Lebco United and Rising Star soccer clubs are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our
athletes. The following concussion policy utilizes the latest in medical research to prevent and treat
head injuries. A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body that may
result in improper brain functioning. A concussion can range from mild to very severe and manifests
itself differently in each individual. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are
potentially serious and may result in complications if not managed properly. You cannot see a
concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
ACUTE MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION
Any athlete that suffers from symptoms of a concussion shall be removed from participation for
evaluation. This athlete may not return to play in current/future game or practice until authorized by
a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine (MD or DO).
POST-ACUTE CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Criteria for return-to-play after a concussion/brain injury/head injury (must complete all steps):
1)
Written clearance from a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine (MD or DO)
comfortable with current concussion management principles.
2) Completely asymptomatic – no symptoms at all
3) Completed supervised graduated return to play protocol. Each step should take 24 hours.
The steps must be completed without return of any symptoms. If any symptoms occur, the
athlete returns to the previous asymptomatic step, after 24 hours has passed.
1) No activity – complete rest until all symptoms subside
2) Light aerobic activity – less than 70% max heart rate
3) Sports Specific and Resistance Exercise – no head hitting activities
4) Non-Contact Drills – more complex than step 3.
5) Full Contact Practice – Must have clearance by licensed physician prior to starting this
step.
6) Return to Full Participation
4) An athlete must present a physician’s note for return to play that complies with the Lebco
United and Rising Star soccer clubs concussion policy and return to play guidelines.
DOCUMENTATION
All concussions sustained prior to each year must be reported by parents/guardian on the Health
History section of the Medical release form kept on file by the team coach or manager.