Concussion Protocols
THE LAW
Minnesota Govenor Dayton signed a bill into law on June 8, 2011 that requires all coaches to sideline athletes who show signs of a concussion. Those athletes cannot return to the field until they get clearance by a state licensed MEDICAL health care provider.
The law took effect September 1, 2011 when Minnesota joined 20 other states with similar laws.
This applies to all players under the age of 18 and applies to ALL youth sports organizations both PUBLIC and PRIVATE.
The law also requires that parents have access to risks and symptoms of concussions and coaches must have training on concussions once every three (3) years.
symptoms
SIGN OF A CONCUSSION
- Confusion, foggy/groggy feeling, sluggish
- Dizzy, poor balance
- Sensitivity to noise or light, blurry vision
- Headache, feeling of pressure
- Poor memory: (i.e. can't remember what they ate earlier that day, the score of the game, what happened, etc).
- Poor coordination and concentration
- Nausea/vomiting
SIGNS OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY
- Headaches that worsen
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe neck pain
- Loss of consciousness or unable to be awakened easily
- Weakness/Numbness in arms or legs
- Unable to recognize familar faces/things
Everyone is different and symptoms can be very subtle.
Being knocked UNCONCIOUS is not a requirement.
OYF CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
The OYF has adopted the concussion protocols of HEADS UP FOOTBALL to ensure the safest and most consistent concussion procedure.
Links may be found below.
RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL
PARENT FACT SHEET
ATHLETES FACT SHEET
COACHES FACT SHEET