Concussion: a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function. Medically, a concussion is
a complex, pathophysiological event to the brain that is induced by trauma which may or may not involve
a loss of consciousness (LOC). Concussion results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and
sleep--‐related symptoms. Signs or symptoms may last from several minutes to days, weeks, months or even
longer in some cases.

CONCUSSION SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND MANAGEMENT AT TRAINING AND COMPETITIONS

Step 1: Did a concussion occur? Evaluate the player and note if any of the following signs and/or symptoms
are present:

• Dazed look or confusion about what happened.
• Memory difficulties.
• Neck pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, double vision, blurriness, ringing noise or sensitive to sounds.
• Short attention span. Can’t keep focused.
• Slow reaction time, slurred speech, bodily movements are lagging, fatigue, and slowly answers questions or has difficulty answering questions.
• Abnormal physical and/or mental behavior.
• Coordination skills are behind, ex: balancing, dizziness, clumsiness, reaction time.

Step 2: Is emergency treatment needed? This would include the following scenarios

• Spine or neck injury or pain.
• Behavior patterns change, unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Headaches that worsen
• Seizures
• Very drowsy, can't be awakened
• Repeated vomiting
• Increasing confusion or irritability
• Weakness, numbness in arms and legs

Step 3: If a possible concussion occurred, but no emergency treatment is needed, what should be done now? Focus on these areas every 5-10 min for the next 1-2 hours, without returning to any activities:

• Balance, movement.
• Speech.
• Memory, instructions, and responses.
• Attention on topics, details, confusion, ability to concentrate.
• State of consciousness
• Mood, behavior, and personality
• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and noise

A player diagnosed with a possible concussion may return to Soccer play only after release from a medical doctor.

A Players with a possible concession shall not re-enter competition, training, or partake in any activities for at least 24 hours and the commissioner or coach must receive a signed concussion wavier form.