Costa Mesa Pony Baseball Concussion Protocol
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can have a serious effect on a young, developing brain. While most children and teens with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have concussion symptoms that last for days, weeks, or even months. Not giving the brain enough time to heal after a concussion can be dangerous. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain heals from the first, usually within a short amount of time (hours, days, weeks), can slow recovery or increase the chances for long-term health problems. These may include changes in how the child thinks, feels, and acts, as well as their ability to learn and remember. While rare, a repeat concussion can result in brain swelling or permanent brain damage. It can even be fatal. (www.cdc.gov/concussion)In an effort to protect our players, Costa Mesa Pony Baseball utilizes a three step concussion policy. This policy includes educating our volunteers and families about concussions, removing the athlete from play when a concussion is suspected and obtaining medical permission for the athlete’s return to play.
Education – On a yearly basis, the league will provide each family with concussion and head injury information. We will request families acknowledge receipt of the educational materials in writing. Also, all managers will be required to complete yearly concussion training prior to supervising practices or games. Board members, assistant coaches, team parents and umpires shall also complete the yearly concussion training.
Removing the Player – If a player is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury during practice or a game, the child must be immediately removed from the athletic activity for the remainder of the day. If a child is removed from athletic activity due to a suspected concussion, the team manager or other Costa Mesa Pony representative shall notify a parent or a guardian of that athlete, of the time of the injury, the symptoms observed and any treatment provided to the athlete for the injury.
Permission to Return to Play – If an athlete is removed from athletic activity by a Costa Mesa Pony representative, or if the child’s team manager is made aware of the fact the athlete suffered a concussion unrelated to Costa Mesa Pony activities, the athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity associated with Costa Mesa Pony until being evaluated by, and receiving written clearance to return to athletic activity from, a licensed health care provider. If it is determined by a licensed healthcare provider that the athlete sustained a concussion, the player shall be required to complete a graduated return to play protocol of not less than seven (7) days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.
Please access the documents below by clicking on the images or visit www.cdc.gov/headsup for additional information.
Check out this video on head injuries here!