AYSO and the CDC on Concussion Recognition and Action
All Coaches and Referees must take the online Concussion Awareness Training and actively apply the guidelines at training and games.
The CDC has issued a warning and process regarding concussion in youth sports, regardless of the sport. Michigan now requires notification and review of concussion detection and follow-up, for parents and players involved in youth sports. Additionally, coaches and referees must take the online concussion course, the AYSO CDC Concussion Awareness training.
Here's the link to the official AYSO Concussion policy.
Here is the link to a PDF file of the Concussion Awareness Form.
In recognition of the serious long-term potential for harm caused by concussion, and the heightened susceptibility to concussion by younger players, Kentwood AYSO policy ban's heading of the ball at U10 and under for instructional players. This policy continues. Referees are asked to treat an act of heading the ball by Instructional U7 to U10 players as a foul, "dangerous play".
Kentwood AYSO coaches are encouraged not to train heading excessively, and to be extra cautious about encouraging a player to head the ball if they are not prepared to execute it well. There are procedures to teach heading the ball using foam rubber balls that do not present a concussion risk.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a "ding", "getting your bell rung", or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
Athletes who experience one or more of the signs or symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body may have a concussion.
SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHES AND OFFICIALS
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Forgets and instruction
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
Can't recall events after hit or fall
SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE
Headache or "pressure" in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Felling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
Just "not feeling right" or is "feeling down"
If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, or if any of the conditions listed on the left panel are true, you should take the following four steps;
Remove the athlete from play or practice
Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
Inform the athlete's parents about the possible concussion and give them the CDC Fact Sheet for Parents on Concussion.
Submit an Incident Report
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.