Concussion Management Plan — The Truckee Tribe

Concussion Management Plan (CMP)

The Truckee Tribe Lacrosse Club recognizes that adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussions. In compliance with the passage of CA Assembly Bill 2007, and to ensure the ongoing safety of our youth athletes, the following protocols will be effective January 1, 2018:

· Prior to the beginning of each spring season, an informational sheet and on-line affirmation emphasizing the risks of concussions shall be distributed to the parents/guardians of all youth athletes.

· Any youth athlete who participates in youth athletics and exhibits signs of a concussion must be removed from the game, practice, competition or tryout and be evaluated by a healthcare provider.*

· Any youth athlete who is deemed by a health care provider as sustaining a concussion shall not be permitted to return to play until he/she receives clearance from a health care provider for a full or graduated return to play

* The term 'healthcare provider' means a licensed physician or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management.

The following policies and procedures have been instituted by The Truckee Tribe Lacrosse Club in an effort to identify, manage and return athletes safely to competition following a concussion;

Pre-Season Education:

· Concussion educational information based on CDC concussion fact sheets are posted and available on US Lacrosse website, (https://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/concussion-awareness).

· Each parent & athlete will receive a copy of the Concussion Information sheet at the beginning of the Spring Season and will provide a signed acknowledgement that they have received it and understand that they are responsible for the material provided.

· By signed acknowledgement of the Concussion Information sheet as well as electronic acceptance of Parent Code of Conduct during the Spring Season registration process, each athlete and/or legal guardian accepts responsibility for reporting injuries (including concussions) and illnesses to their assigned Tribe Head Coach.

· At the beginning of each Spring Season, all Tribe Head Coaches are required to conduct a preseason meeting with all parents & athletes and as part of this meeting, the concussion information and protocol is reviewed.

· All coaches are required to take the Heads Up Concussion Online Training Course (link) as well as download the CDC Heads Up app to their smartphone for quick reference. (signs & symptoms) during the mandatory Spring Preseason Coaches Meeting which includes concussion education and EAP training.

· Each individual must provide the Tribe with a copy of their CDC Heads Up Certificate of Completion. Each individual will be required to sign that they have attended the preseason meeting and received the concussion education information. The meeting will occur on an annual basis prior to Spring Season practice start.

Pre-Participation:

· Clearance for participation or need for further consultation, evaluation or testing will be at the discretion of the athlete’s personal healthcare physician.

· In following protocol for any documented concussion, written clearance is required and must be provided by the athlete’s personal healthcare physician to the athlete’s Head Coach prior to participation.

Recognition and Diagnosis of Concussion and Post-Concussion Management:

· Any athlete who exhibits signs or symptoms consistent with a concussion as deemed by the Head Coach, with or without a witnessed injury, will be removed from activity (practice or game) immediately and referred to their personal healthcare physician for evaluation. Head Coaches are not responsible or allowed to evaluate athletes with signs and symptoms of a concussion nor are they allowed to participate in any decision-making regarding return to competition.

· Once an athlete has been formally diagnosed by a healthcare physician with any form of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, he/she will NOT be allowed to return to any practice or competition.

· Following initial injury, the athlete should be evaluated and monitored by their personal healthcare physician.

Return to Play:

· Athletes diagnosed with a concussion will undergo follow-up with their personal healthcare physician.

· In following protocol for any documented concussion, written clearance [email is acceptable] is required and must be provided by the athlete’s personal healthcare physician to the athlete’s Head Coach prior to return to play.

Reducing Head Trauma Exposure Management Plan:

· Efforts will be made to reduce exposure to head trauma. Examples of methods to minimize head trauma exposure include but are not limited to:

· Taking a “safety first” approach to sport

· Taking the head out of contact

· Coaching and athlete education regarding safe play and proper technique.

US Lacrosse Links:

USL Concussion Awareness

CMP Guidelines

Heads Up Facts for Athletes & Parents

Heads Up Facts for Coaches

CDC Links:

Parent & Athlete Info Sheet