Growlers Youth Development Program Concussion Protocol

Purpose:
The Growlers Youth Development Program prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants. This Concussion Protocol outlines the procedures to follow when a player is suspected of having a concussion.

1. Recognizing a Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. Signs and symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours after the injury.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness, balance issues, or nausea
• Confusion, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise
• Feeling sluggish, drowsy, or “not right”

2. Immediate Response & Removal from Play

• If a player is suspected of having a concussion, they must be immediately removed from play and evaluated.
• Coaches, staff, and parents should not attempt to diagnose a concussion but should look for signs and symptoms.
• When in doubt, sit them out. No player should return to play the same day a concussion is suspected.

3. Medical Evaluation

• A player suspected of having a concussion must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional before returning to any program activities.
• Parents/guardians will be notified immediately, and the player will be advised to seek medical attention.

4. Return to Play Protocol

• Players diagnosed with a concussion must provide written clearance from a qualified medical professional before resuming any physical activities.
• A gradual return to play will follow a step-by-step process, ensuring the player is symptom-free at each stage:
  • Step 1: Complete rest until symptom-free.
  • Step 2: Light aerobic activity (e.g., walking, stationary cycling).
  • Step 3: Moderate non-contact drills.
  • Step 4: Full-contact practice (only with medical clearance).
  • Step 5: Return to full play.

5. Education & Awareness

• All coaches and program staff will be educated on recognizing concussion symptoms and following this protocol.
• Parents and players are encouraged to review concussion safety guidelines and report any symptoms immediately.