Concussion in Sports

Information Poster - USA Volleyball Specific - Low Resolution - Posted 02/22/2011

Information Poster - USA Volleyball Specific - High Resolution - Posted 02/22/2011 (LARGE FILE)

Concussions can occur in any sport.
A concussion is a brain injury and all are serious.
Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
Recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

Vb Head
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created free tools for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, athletes, and health care professionals that provide important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion:

How can I recognize a possible concussion?

What should I do if a concussion occurs?

What can I do to prevent concussions in sports?

Where can I find additional resources?

The CDC is also offering online training. This online training program will cover a wide variety of information about concussion, including signs and symptoms, how to respond to a suspected concussion, steps to take to assist an athlete after being cleared to safely return to play. To learn more about the CDC online training please click on the icon.

On May 14^th ,2009 the Lystedt Laws was signed and put in effect in the State of Washington. The Lystedt Law directly affects youth sports and head injury policies in the State of Washington. The law requires that

Requires an informed consent must be signed by parents and youth athletes acknowledging the risk of head injury prior to practice or competition
Requires that a youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury be removed from play. “When in doubt, sit them out”
Requires that a youth athlete who has been removed from play receive written clearance prior to returning to play from a licensed health care provider.
Requires private, nonprofit youth sports associations to be in compliance with the policies adopted by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association

More information can be found at http://www.biawa.org/lystedt.htm