Concussion Protocol

In an effort to reduce the potentially serious health risks associated with participation in youth activities, including but not limited to concussions and head injuries, it is vital to educate coaches, referees, site supervisors, parents, city staff and participants of the signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with activity-induced concussions. 

Participants under the age of 18 who are suspected of a concussion or head injury are required to be removed from the activity. They must seek medical attention and follow the proper procedure before they may return to play. 

This requirement is applicable only to Mansfield Parks and Recreation programs and leagues. The city is not responsible for implementing any concussion or head injury policy for independent teams, leagues, organizations or associations that utilize city fields or facilities. 

Parents, coaches, assistant coaches and site supervisors associated with recreational activity should become familiar with concussion protocols.

Parents, coaches, assistant coaches and site supervisors are strongly encouraged to view HEADS UP to Youth Sports online training offered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or online concussion training available through National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). 

Concussion Awareness 

A concussion is a brain injury that results from a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly in the skull and disrupts normal brain function. It is important to note that an athlete does not have to lose consciousness to have suffered a concussion. 

Concussion Symptoms Observed by Others:

• Appears dazed or stunned 
• Is confused about assignment
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score or opponent
• Moves clumsily 
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, personality changes
• Cannot recall event prior to the hit or fall

Concussion Symptoms Reported by Athlete:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
• 
  

The following procedures must be followed for any participant exhibiting the signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion or head injury: 

• The participant must be immediately removed from the activity.
• Coaches, instructors, teachers, leaders or recreation staff must fill out an injury report form, provided at the MAC or in the sports associations’ coaching packets.
• If a child is suspected of having a concussion during a MAC program or practice, the leader shall notify the manager on duty as soon as possible.
• If the suspected concussion occurs at a game/ program, the site supervisor will fill out the form within 24 hours. 
• The injured participant may not be cleared for practice or competition on the same day the sign, symptom or behavior associated with a concussion or head injury was observed. 
• The injured participant’s parent or guardian will be notified of the suspected injury as soon as reasonably possible to have them evaluated by an appropriate health care professional.  
• The participant's parent or guardian must submit a written clearance statement from an appropriate health care provider to coaches, instructors, teachers, leaders, or recreation staff in charge of the activity prior to the participant’s return.
• Participants will not be allowed to participate until the clearance form is produced.