The following constitute the policies of Marion Soccer, Inc. (MSI) with regard to concussion awareness and prevention within our organization.
MSI is committed to maintain an adequate system and regularly promote a concussion awareness and safety recognition program.
MSI requires all Coaches and Assistant Coaches to complete the online Concussion Course offered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports.
MSI communicates in writing (including by electronic means), their concussion awareness and
safety recognition program to all participants, coaches, parents and involved parties.
MSI has a clear understanding of concussion and the potential consequences of the injury;
recognizing concussion signs and symptoms and how to respond.
MSI is focused on prevention and preparedness to help keep participants safe and learning the
steps for returning to activity after a concussion.
MSI recommends volunteers, parents or guardians take the following 5 steps if they suspect a participant has a concussion:
Remove the athlete from play. Look for signs and symptoms of a concussion if your athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.
Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.
Record the following information can help health care professionals in assessing the athlete after the injury:
Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body
Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long
Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.
