Concussion Information and Training for Coaches

Concussions in youth sports have become an important concern and AYSO takes this issue very seriously. As a coach, you play an important role in identifying and acting when an athlete exhibits the signs, symptoms, or behaviors of concussion. However, be sure to keep in mind that only a trained medical professional can diagnose when a concussion has occurred.

There are several steps coaches must take to comply with AYSO policy and Ohio state law.

In order to be educated on the signs, dangers, and ways to prevent concussions, coaches are:

• To assist AYSO in handing out the Ohio Department of Heath Concussion Information Sheet to parents each season.

• Required to be trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions every three years by successfully completing a free online training course.

If a coach observes a player who exhibits the signs, symptoms, or behaviors of a concussion, coaches are required to:

• Remove the player from practice or game competition.

• Prevent the player from returning to play or any sports activity the same day that he/she is removed.

• Prohibit the player from participating in future practices, games, or any soccer activities until AYSO has received written clearance of return to play from a physician or other licensed heath care provider.

Coach Education and Training:

AYSO requires that all parents sign and return the Parent/Athlete Concussion information sheet at the beginning of each season. This sheet is designed to provide all parents with information about the signs and symptoms of concussions as well as what to do if your athlete experiences a concussion. You should also read this form and keep a copy of it with your team materials at all times.

AYSO CDC Concussion Handout


AYSO does not allow a player to participate in any AYSO soccer activities, including practices and games, until this form has been signed and returned. This form is part of Twinsburg AYSO’s registration materials and is typically returned when an athlete is registered for Twinsburg AYSO.

Additionally, the state of Ohio recently passed Bill 143, Ohio’s "Return to Play” Concussion law.

Per ORC 3707.52 as enacted by Ohio HB 143 of the 129th General Assembly, youth sports leagues are required to hand out a concussion and head injury information sheet created by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to all parents.

Coaches will hand out this Ohio Youth Sports Organization Concussion Form to your team’s parents at the first practice. AYSO will provide you with copies of this sheet with your team roster packet. This Ohio Department of Health information sheet provides concussion information as well as the five-step process an athlete should go through to return to sports activities after a concussion.

Coaches and referees are also required to successfully complete a free online Concussion training program to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions every three years.

Instructions to complete your concussion training are found here.

All coaches, assistant coaches and volunteers are required to complete this training in order to participate in any team activities. You must complete all parts of this training before you hold your first practice or your team will not be allowed to practice as required by state law. AYSO tracks this training. Any coach who does not complete the concussion training course will not be allowed to coach this year.

A parent version of the CDC "Heads Up” on Concussion online training class is available here if you would like to provide this information to you parents.

Furthermore, Ohio Bill 143 also protects youth sports organizations, coaches and referees from civil lawsuits that might arise under the new law.

"Sec. 3707.511 (F)(1) A youth sports organization or official, employee, or volunteer of a youth sports organization, including a coach or referee, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.”

Concussion recognition and "Return to Play”

Another major part of the new Ohio State law deals with what coaches are required to do if they suspect a player may have received a concussion. This part applies to referees as well.

• If a coach (or referee) believes an athlete is exhibiting the signs, symptoms or behaviors of having sustained a concussion, they must remove that player from practice or competition.

• The player is not allowed to return to play the same day that he/she is removed.

This decision may be made by a coach (or referee) without parental approval. The decision is final and there is no appeal. Ultimately, the athlete’s safety and health must be the most important factor. Only a licensed medical professional can make the determination as to whether an athlete has suffered a concussion. When in doubt, sit them out!
Under Ohio law, referees have as much responsibility to recognize the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion, as do coaches. If there is ever a disagreement between a coach and referee as to whether an athlete should be removed due to concussion symptoms, the referee’s decision has priority and the player should always be removed from play as a precaution.

After being removed from play/practice due to concussion signs, symptoms, or behaviors, a player is only allowed to return to practice, games, or participate in any way after the player has been assessed and cleared for return by a physician or by any other licensed heath care provider authorized by the youth sports organization. Written permission of clearance is required.

• Coaches are not allowed to let a player participate in future practices, games, or any soccer activities until AYSO has received written clearance of return to play from a physician or other licensed heath care provider. The AYSO Safety Director will notify you when this written permission has been received and a player is allowed to resume participation.

If a child is removed from play due to concussion signs, symptoms, or behaviors, a physician or health care provider who is licensed by the State of Ohio must evaluate them. Twinsburg AYSO will only accept written permission of clearance to return to play from a doctor or health care provider who currently holds a valid medical license with the State of Ohio. There are no exceptions to this rule.

If you have a player who is removed from a game or practice because they are exhibiting the signs, symptoms, or behaviors of a concussion call 911 immediately so the player can be transported to a hospital. Have an assistant coach find the player’s parents/guardians and let them know the player needs immediate medical attention.


CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS

In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:

• One pupil larger than the other

• Is drowsy or cannot be awakened

• A headache that not only does not diminish, but gets worse

• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

• Repeated vomiting or nausea

• Slurred speech

• Convulsions or seizures

• Cannot recognize people or places

• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated

• Has unusual behavior

• Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

If the player exhibits one or more concussion symptoms after they have experienced a collision or fall that could have caused a concussion, remove the player from the game or practice and continue to watch for any signs of concussion until the game or practice is over.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, she or he should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says she or he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.

SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHING STAFF*

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

SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETES*

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