Concussion Information

Below in the resource section is a CIF_Concussion_Info_Sheet. We ask that all parents download the information below and discuss it with their student-athlete(s).

 

California law mandates that all coaches must receive training on concussions. Additionally, California law mandates that all CIF member schools must comply with the following: a concussion and head injury information sheet must be signed and returned annually by the athlete and the athlete’s parent or guardian before the athlete initiates practice or competition.

Below are documents from the CIF Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) that schools and districts may use to meet this mandate, which informs parents and students on concussion signs and symptoms.

• Concussion Information Sheet: The CIF_Concussion_Info_Sheet has general information on concussions, including signs and symptoms, return to learn, and return to play. This sheet complies with CIF Bylaw 503.H. – Concussion Protocol and California State Law AB 25 (Education Code § 49475).
• Physician Letter to School Form: The Physician Letter to School Form is the form that your physician (MD or DO only) will fill out and you will return to the athletic training staff.
• Return to Learn (RTL): These two (2) documents are to assist the concussed student to “return to the classroom and learning environment” in a scientific manner regarding brain activity: the CIF Concussion Return to Learn (RTL) Protocol Form is the recommendations for returning to the classroom environment, and the CIF Physician (MD/DO) Recommended School Accommodations Following Concussion Form is also to be completed by your physician and will be returned to the athletic training staff.

Return to Practice and Play (RTP): Medical science and concussion care experts have found that a concussed athlete must take a gradual and progressive, stage-by-stage, step-by-step return to practice under medical supervision to minimize risks and allow the brain to properly recover. A.B. 2127 and CIF Bylaws mandated a MINIMUM timeline, but medical experts recognize that many adolescent concussion patients may take much longer to recover. Always be cautious, as returning to practice and play too quickly may have catastrophic consequences. The CIF Concussion Return to Play Protocol Form will be used by the BMHS Athletic Training Staff to safely return your student-athlete to competition following a head injury or concussion.

 

 

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that often occurs after a bump, collision, or jolt to the head and shakes the brain rapidly in the skull, altering the way the brain normally works. All concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications, including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly.  In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. A common misconception of a concussion is that the athlete has to lose consciousness for it to be a concussion, but that is not the case, as even a mild bump to the head could cause a concussion without the athlete losing consciousness. A concussion does not always occur on the spot, as some concussion symptoms could present themselves a few hours or days after the incident. Regardless, it is important to report any potential concussions to the Athletic Trainer for the safety of the student athlete. Exercise or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games, may cause concussion symptoms (such as headache or tiredness) to reappear or get worse.

*Please look at the Concussion Management section for general care for concussions that do NOT require emergency/immediate care*

RED FLAGS INDICATIVE OF EMERGENCY CARE:

If any of these symptoms are reported or seen, it is strongly recommended to go to the emergency room!!!

Prolonged loss of consciousness Suspected C-spine injury Potential internal bleeding

Post-traumatic seizure Significant worsening of condition: slurred speech, facial droop, persistent nausea, and/or vomiting.

 

You cannot see a concussion, but you might notice some symptoms right away. Other symptoms can show up hours or days after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention immediately and report to the coach and Athletic Trainer.

 

Concussion symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Headaches "Pressure in the head" Nausea or throwing up Neck Pain Has trouble standing or walking Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision Bothered by light or noise Feeling sluggish or slowed down Feeling foggy or groggy Drowsiness Change in sleep patterns

Loss of memory "Don't feel right" Tired or low energy Sadness Nervousness or feeling on edge Irritability  More emotional  Confused Concentration or memory problems Repeating the same question or comment

 

Signs observed by teammates, parents, and coaches:

Looks dizzy Looks spaced out Confused about plays Forgets plays Is unsure of the game, score, or opponent  Moves clumsily or awkwardly Answers questions slowly

slurred speech shows a change in personality or way of acting Can't recall events before or after injury Seizures or has a fit Any change in typical behavior or personality Passes out