Concussion Point of
Emphasis
CONCUSSIONS
During the 2006-07 academic year, the NFHS has included
in all of its playing rules a Point of Emphasis on
"Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions"
(See below). The information was developed and published
by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in a booklet
for coaches called "Heads Up: Concussion in High School
Sports." Last fall, the CDC, with the assistance of the
NFHS and its member state high school associations,
distributed the booklet and corollary materials to many
of the nation's high schools.
The well-being of student-athletes is of utmost concern
to the NFHS and its members. We hope the information in
the CDC information packet, in the Point of Emphasis,
and on the NFHS Web site will be of assistance to
coaches, teammates and sideline personnel, and also to
families and friends. The signs and symptoms of
concussions are listed so that all such persons may
better evaluate a player's condition if a concussion is
suspected. While the ultimate responsibility for each
student-athlete's health rests with the student-athlete
and his or her parents, guardians and medical
professionals, the NFHS believes that this information
will help all persons better understand the signs,
symptoms and importance of responding to apparent
concussions.
Point of Emphasis
for 2006-07
Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions
ACTION PLAN
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you
should take the following steps:
1.
Remove athlete from play.
2.
Ensure athlete is
evaluated
by an appropriate
health care professional.
Do not try to judge
the seriousness of the injury yourself.
3.
Inform athlete's parents
or guardians
about the known or
possible concussion
and give them the fact
sheet on concussion.
4. Allow the
athlete to return
to play only
with permission from
an appropriate health care professional.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion
has occurred.
Signs Observed by
Coaching Staff
* Appears dazed or stunned
* Is confused about assignment
* Forgets plays
* Is unsure of game, score or opponent
* Moves clumsily
* Answers questions slowly
* Loses consciousness
* Shows behavior or personality changes
* Can't recall events prior to hit
* Can't recall events after hit
Symptoms Reported
by Athlete
* Headache
* Nausea
* Balance problems or dizziness
* Double vision or fuzzy vision
* Sensitivity to light or noise
* Feeling sluggish
* Feeling foggy or groggy
* Concentration or memory problems
* Confusion
Information
provided by the
Department of Health
and Human Services
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
