Introduction
The following is the Concussion Policy for the South Vancouver Island Classics' Soccer Association (SVICSA).
Teams must ensure the policy can be referred to at all games by keeping a laminated copy in their medical kit. Also, some team members should have the policy available on their cell phones.
Print the SVICSA Concussion Policy (PDF)
What is Concussion?
Concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. It results in a variety of nonspecific signs and/or symptoms. Usually, it does not involve loss of consciousness. *
Concussion should be suspected in the presence of any one or more of the following:
- Symptoms (e.g., headache)
- Physical signs (e.g., unsteadiness)
- Impaired brain function (e.g. confusion)
- Abnormal behaviour (e.g., change in personality). *
* The text above is quoted from the SCAT3 Sports Concussion Assessment Tool, 3rd Edition.
What to Do if Concussion is Suspected
In any incident where a player suffers a blow to the head that causes concern, the player should immediately be removed from play, medically assessed, monitored for deterioration (i.e., should not be left alone) and advised not to drive a motor vehicle until cleared to do so by a medical professional.
No athlete diagnosed with concussion should return to sports participation on the day of injury. If the team manager or referee thinks a player should be checked for concussion, the player should go to the sideline.
A designated person from each team should carry out the concussion assessment below, consisting of the Maddocks Score and a physical exam. This assessment uses validated assessment tools abbreviated from the SCAT3 Sports Concussion Assessment Tool, 3rd Edition.
Maddocks Score
Ask the player the following questions. If the player gets one or more answers wrong, he fails the test and may be concussed. In that case, the physical exam below should be done.
- What venue are we at today?
- Which half are we in?
- Who scored last in this game?
- What team did you play in your last match/week?
- Did your team win the last game?
Physical Exam
Ask the player to carry out the following actions. If he loses his balance on one or more of the actions, he fails the test and may be concussed:
- Stand up straight with your heels and toes together; then close your eyes.
- Stand on one foot for five seconds.
- Walk heel-to-toe for five paces.
Decision
If the player experiences any loss of consciousness, do not allow him back on the field.
If the player fails the Maddocks Score and/or the physical exam, do not allow him back on the field.
Teams should recommend that the player not drive or participate in any physical activity until cleared to do so by a medical professional. The player should go his doctor, a medical clinic or Emergency for assessment when a concussion is suspected. The team should take him there.
Enforcement of Decision
Teams must abide by the decision and not allow the player to return to the field when concussion is suspected. The referee should help enforce this action, if necessary.