CONCUSSIONS

Concussion Policy

ALL NCFC YOUTH PLAYERS:

*If you believe you might have experienced a concussion, you MUST see our athletic trainer/s or 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.

WakeOrtho's Baseline Concussion Testing Program:

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. In treating Concussions, NCFC has a fantastic Partnership with Wake Orthopedics. Visiting the ER for significant sports concussion symptoms can be warranted, if this happens, Wake Orthopedics can help with determining the correct return to play. Please reach out to Jason Bailey to provide WakeOrtho with contact information to schedule an appointment after a head injury happens. WakeOrtho is providing access to Baseline Concussion Testing for NCFC Athletes for a reduced cost and a huge benefit for our membership.

For any suspected concussion, please reach out to Jason Bailey, NCFC Youth's Head Athletic Trainer, for the steps to return to play safely!

NCFC Youth Concussion Policy

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 (2) Clearance from on-site Athletic Trainer after passing the gradual Concussion Return to Play Protocol. Off sites should communicate with Jason Bailey, Head Athletic Trainer, on steps to be able to return to play.

Athletic Training Staff is on-site during regular training/game hours at:

WRAL Soccer Park - Jason Bailey
Wake Competition Center
Thomas Brooks

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.

For Physician follow up, we recommend reaching out to Jason Bailey, Jason.Bailey@ncfcyouth.com.

US Soccer's Concussion Page

Information was gathered from the following Resources:

http://gfellerwallerlaw.unc.edu

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/

The following links contain pertinent information on the severity of concussions and the steps to return to participation safely: