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Club Concussion Policy


GEELONG AMATEUR FOOTBALL AND NETBALL CLUB CONCUSSION POLICY

 

MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION - Football and Netball:

1. ON- FIELD

  •  Apply first -aid principles to any unconscious player ( Airway, Breathing, Circulation ….. ), including attention to the spine.

  • Any player suspected of  being affected by any of the following symptoms must be removed from the field for further evaluation on the sideline:

                                  Loss of consciousness

                                  Confusion or feeling dazed

                                  Memory disturbance

                                  Persistent/increasing headache

                                  Visual changes: Blurred or double vision

                                   Balance problem

                                   Nausea/Vomiting

  • Under 18 Football and Under 19 Netball and below – If any of the above symptoms occur in U 18 / U 19 or a lesser division, then the player should be referred to hospital.  These players are not to return to the field.   

2. OFF – FIELD

  • Attend to any immediate first aid issue
  • If any of the above occur in a Senior/Reserves football or A-D Grade netball game, the player is not to return to the field during the game unless they are assessed and pass the Sideline Cognitive Assessment Test ( Modified SCAT ) and there are no features of concussion.    

If there are definite signs/symptoms of concussion then, monitor and regularly assess the player for deterioration ( may signify a structural head injury that requires urgent hospitalisation.

          Indications for immediate referral to hospital

              LOC > 1 min or prolonged confusion

              Increasing drowsiness/deterioration of conscious state

              Focal neurological signs   …… arm/leg weakness, unbalanced.

              Persistent vomiting or increasing headache.

              Seizure

              Unusual behaviour

3. END OF GAME

  • If the player is discharged home, then clear and concise instructions regarding regular assessment after the game, abstinence from alcohol/driving, medication use, physical exertion and when a medical follow up is required.

  • Any player who has suffered a concussive injury must be referred for medical evaluation and clearance before being allowed to return to training or playing.

 

4. RETURN TO TRAINING/PLAY

The following guidelines are to be adopted for players who have not been allowed to return to the field.

  • Senior football/ A to D Grade netball will be required to cease training/play for one week.
  • U 18 football/U 19 netball or lesser division or age group players we also will also be required to cease training/play for one week with a gradual return to activity the following week.

Simple/mild concussion.

Where there  has been a resolution of symptoms, there may be a graduated return to activity.

  • Stationary bike
  • Light running
  • Non-contact training drills
  • Full contact training
  • Game play

If relevant symptoms recur at any stage during rehabilitation, then the player will be required to undergo re-evaluation by their treating doctor.

Complex/Severe Concussion

Severe and persistent symptoms may occur if there have been multiple concussions over time.

  • Requires regular medical assessment and usually the player does not train/play for several weeks.

The G.A.F & N.C. and its medical personnel reserve the right in ALL cases to request a player, having sustained a concussive injury to undergo an independent medical assessment and ‘SCAT’ test conducted by a medical practitioner with experience in concussive injuries prior to returning to training or play.

 

4a.  RETURN TO TRAINING/PLAY -Senior football/ A to D grade netball.

Any player wishing to be considered for selection in the week following a concussive injury MUST :

  • Undergo a medical assessment and ‘SCAT’ test performed by a medical practitioner with experience in concussive injuries.
  • Produce a satisfactory written medical clearance/report prior to the Wednesday night of that week to the club medical personnel.
  • Indemnify the  G.A.F. & N. C. by signing a players ‘Advice Sheet’ acknowledging that they are aware of the risks of returning to play and/ or training earlier than is set out in the Club guidelines. This form is to be signed by the relevant coach of that particular team.

GENERAL NOTES:

  • The G.A.F. & N.C. Concussion Policy has been generated in order to protect the well being of all players , both football and netball, and, ultimately, the G.A.F. & N. C.
  • The G.A.F. & N. C. Concussion Policy requires the unreserved support of the Coaching Panels, Team Managements, G.A.F. & N. C. Executive Group, Players, Parents, and Club Supporters if the Policy is to be effective.
  • The Coaches and Training Staff are to be supported in relation to any decision regarding the welfare of any player.

 

  • All concussed players are required to have:
  •  A Head Injury Notification sheet completed by the Team Manager, Coach or Trainer.
  •  A certificate from a relevant Medical Practitioner indicating the player is “fit to resume training  and playing” 

                 

 

                                                               No certificate = No train/play     

 

Ratified by the Club Committee – 14th July, 2009