Concussion Information
The CDC has issued a warning and process regarding concussion in youth sports, regardless of the sport. Coaches and referees are strongly encouraged to take the online concussion course, the AYSO CDC Concussion Awareness training. Here’s the link to the official AYSO Concussion policy. Here is the link to a PDF file of the Concussion Awareness Form.

What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding”, “getting your bell rung”, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.
If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, the player should be kept out of play or practice the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experience in evaluating for concussion, says the athlete is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.

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 the hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms reported by athletes:

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

Concussion danger signs:
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body the athlete exhibits any of the following danger signs:

• One pupil is larger than the other
• Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
• A headache that does not diminish, but gets worse
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Convulsions or seizures
• Cannot recognize people or places
• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated
• Has unusual behavior
• Loses consciousness ( even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

Did You Know?

• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Anyone who has had a concussion at any point in their lives has an increased risk for another concussion.
• Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.

Remember
Concussions affect people differently. While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more serious concussion can last for months.