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SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHING STAFF

   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 


SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE

   Headache or “pressure” in head
   Nausea or vomiting
   Balance problems or dizziness
   Double or blurry vision
   Sensitivity to light 
   Sensitivity to noise
   Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
   Concentration or memory problems
   Confusion
   Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down

Education

           Watch the CDC's Head's Up: Concussion in Youth Sports coaches education module.  

           Provide a concussion information sheet to athletes, parents, and all coaches.  There is one for every sport.

           Schedule in-person trainings with our team for your coaches, school staff, parents, and athletes.

           Know the concussion signs and symptoms.    


AB2127: Effective 1/1/2015

Limits full-contact football practices at the high school and middle school level to 2 full-contact, 90-minute practices per week during the season and prohibits any full-contact practices during the offseason.

Athletes are required to complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than 7 days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider
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AB25 took effect in January 2012 and requires school districts to do the following:

Any athlete suspected of having a concussion is to be removed from play and not allowed to return on the same day.

The athlete may not return until they receive written clearance from a healthcare provider who is trained in the management of concussions.

Yearly, a concussion and head injury information sheet is to be signed by the athlete and parent before beginning practice or competition.
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In August 2012, California's Governor approved AB1451 which requires school sports coaches to have :

Training: certification in CPR and first aid, including, but not limited to, a basic understanding of the signs and symptoms of concussions and the appropriate response to concussions. Concussion training may be fulfilled through entities offering free, online, or other types of training courses.
Concussion Plan

          Remove the athlete from play: Look for signs and symptoms of concussion when an athlete has 
          experienced a bump or blow to the head or jolt to the body.  If a concussion is suspected, sit the athlete out.

          Seek medical attention: Have the athlete evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.      
          Recording the following information can be helpful to the healthcare provider:

​          * Cause of injury                                                                   * Any memory loss for events right before the injury
          * Any loss of consciousness and how long                          * Any memory loss for events right after the injury

          Inform the athlete's parents or guardians: Make sure that they are aware of their child's injury and that their 
          child should be seen by a healthcare provider experienced in managing concussions.

          Require medical clearance prior to return to play: California law requires that high school athletes receive 
          written clearance from a healthcare professional with experience managing concussions prior to returning to any 
          sports.  However, all children and teenagers should comply with this requirement.  A second injury before the 
          brain has healed from the first injury can cause life-long problems.
Put Safety First

Remember that you set the example for your team.  

          Develop a concussion policy for your team

          Make sure protective equipment is used properly and in good shape

          Teach safe playing techniques
When in doubt, 
sit them out