NHYS Concussion policy

To help protect the soccer players of New Haven Youth Soccer (NHYS), the organization has

mandated that all our soccer players, parents/guardians and coaches follow the NHYS

Concussion Policy.

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump,

blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to

the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works.

Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result

in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed

properly. In other words, even a “ding” or a bump on the head can be serious. You can’t see a

concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness.

Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days

to fully appear.

If your child/player reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs

of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms of a concussion

  • Headaches, “Pressure in head”
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Neck pain
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish or slowed down
  • Feeling foggy or groggy
  • Sadness, confusion
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays)
  • Repeating the same question/comment
  • Vacant facial expression
  • Confused about assignment
  • Moves clumsily or displays loss of coordination
  • Answers questions slowly / Slurred speech
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Can’t recall events prior to hit
  • Can’t recall events after hit
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Any change in typical behavior or personality
  • Loses consciousness

Licensed Health Care Providers acceptable to make the determination:

  • Medical Doctors (MD)
  • Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
  • Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
  • Physician’s Assistant (PA)
  • Licensed Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC)


You should also inform your child’s coach if you think that your child/player may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.


For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports/

  • What can happen if my child/player keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?

    Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that youth, adolescent and teenage athletes will often under report symptoms of injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete’s safety.

  • If you, the coach or any league official think your child/player has suffered a concussion.

    Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours.


    Therefore, it is the policy of the league that any youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time AND may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed heath care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from that health care provider.