Concussion Policy
ALL MCSA PLAYERS:
*If you believe you might have experienced a concussion, you MUST see a certified medical professional before resuming play*
Concussions are a common injury in all contact sports. We implemented a specific policy modeled after the Gfeller-Waller Act in North Carolina. This Act is designed to protect athletes of all ages from returning from a concussion injury prematurely.
Concussions are Mild Traumatic Brain injuries that unfortunately happen in soccer from the ball hitting the head, head hitting the ground, and even from a hard jostle to the body.
The Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness Act was drafted and implemented to protect student-athlete safety in North Carolina. It was signed into law on June 16, 2011. MCSA follows the same protocols set by the NC High School Athletic Association. These guiding principles are listed below:
If an athlete is suspected to have a concussion, either observed by a coach, parent, referee, or another player, he/she is to be removed from the game or practice and assessed for a possible concussion. If there is not a Qualified Person (Certified & Licensed Athletic Trainer) to rule out the possibility of a concussion the athlete is to remain off the field of play.
After a suspected concussion, the athlete is not to return to play WITHOUT (1) a Doctor's note from a Neurologist/Sports Concussion Doctor.
Coaches should remove athletes with a suspected concussion if any of the following symptoms are present after a blow to the head or sudden fall. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Loss of Consciousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Amnesia - Retrograde/Anterograde
- Memory loss of events leading up to or occurring after the suspected concussion event
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Irritability
- Feeling in a fog
- Loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty Concentrating
If the athlete is unresponsive, 911 should be called and the athlete monitored for Airway/Breathing/Circulation until EMS arrives. If the athlete regains consciousness before EMS arrives, keep them in a comfortable position until EMS arrives and they are able to be evaluated further.
