Steps Required of Coaches Regarding Concussions
CMYGSA coaches are to take the following steps if a player is suspected to have possibly sustained a concussion:
STEP 1: Remove the athlete from play. Look for signs and symptoms of a concussion if the athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.
STEP 2: Recording 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
- Any memory loss immediately following the injury
- Any seizures immediately following the injury
- Number of previous concussions (if any)
STEP 3: Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them this fact sheet on concussions. Make sure they know that the athlete should be seen by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.
Possible Local Resources
- Canonsburg Hospital Concussion Clinic (724-873-5955)
- Washington Hospital (724-225-7000)
STEP 4: Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussions, 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.