Lake Wales Little League Concussion Protocol
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can have a serious effect on a young, developing brain. While most children and teens with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have concussion symptoms that last for days, weeks, or even months. Not giving the brain enough time to heal after a concussion can be dangerous. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain heals from the first, usually within a short amount of time (hours, days, weeks), can slow recovery or increase the chances for long-term health problems. These may include changes in how the child thinks, feels, and acts, as well as their ability to learn and remember. While rare, a repeat concussion can result in brain swelling or permanent brain damage. It can even be fatal. (www.cdc.gov/concussion)
In an effort to protect our players, Lake Wales Little League utilizes a three step concussion policy. This policy includes educating our volunteers and families about concussions, removing the athlete from play when a concussion is suspected and obtaining medical permission for the athlete’s return to play.
Education – On a yearly basis, the league will provide updated concussion and head injury information. Lake Wales Little League managers will be required to complete yearly concussion training prior to supervising practices or games. Board members, assistant coaches, team parents and umpires may also complete the yearly concussion training.
Removing the Player – If a player is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury during practice or a game, the child must be immediately removed from the athletic activity for the remainder of the day. If a child is removed from athletic activity due to a suspected concussion, the team manager or other Lake Wales Little League representative shall notify a parent or a guardian of that athlete, of the time of the injury, the symptoms observed and any treatment provided to the athlete for the injury.
Permission to Return to Play – If an athlete is removed from athletic activity by a Lake Wales Little League representative, or if the child’s team manager is made aware of the fact the athlete suffered a concussion unrelated to Lake Wales Little League activities, the athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity associated with Lake Wales Little League until being evaluated by, and receiving written clearance to return to athletic activity from, a licensed healthcare provider. If it is determined by a licensed healthcare provider that the athlete sustained a concussion, the player shall be required to complete a graduated return to play protocol of not less than seven (7) days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.
Please access the LWLL Heads Up Concussion document or visit www.cdc.gov/headsup for additional information.