Concussion Education

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity.  All coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

All of Great Falls Soccer’s professional coaches take mandatory concussion training. We care about the kids in our care. We also recommend that our recreational coaches, parents and athletes take the training as well.  By taking training, you will be able to recognize concussion signs and symptoms and learn how to respond, and focus on prevention and preparedness to help keep athletes safe season-to-season.

What is a Concussion?

• A concussion is a brain injury.
• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

Recognizing a Concussion

According to the CDC Site: ”To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes: 

• A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.

 AND 

• Any change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Athletes who experience any of the signs and symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are 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 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 • Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”

VA Youth Soccer Association Concussion Policy

VYSA Concussion Policy Document

CDC Concussion Training

Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports is a free, online course available to coaches, parents, and others helping to keep athletes safe from concussion.

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/Training/HeadsUpConcussion.html

FCPS – Parent and Athlete Concussion Training

http://www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/concussioneducationfirst.htm

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