Pacific Swimming

 Concussion Information

 

All and any accident resulting in a head injury must be reported by the athlete involved, his, or her or their parent or legal guardian or coach immediately to the Head Coach.  Athlete shall discontinue swimming until examined by a medical doctor and cleared for training and /or competition.  The injured athlete shall not be cleared to train or compete until a note from a doctor is received clearing the athlete to train or compete.

 What is a Concussion? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works.” Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. The Zurich Conference on Concussion in Sport also states that concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short– lived impairment of neurological function that resolves spontaneously. However, symptoms and signs may evolve over a number of minutes to hours or in some cases may be even more prolonged. 
 
 
6.0 Signs and Symptoms of Concussions:  Athletes do not have to be “knocked out” to have a concussion. In fact, less than 1 out of 10 concussions result in loss of consciousness. Concussion symptoms can develop right away or up to 48 hours after the injury. Ignoring signs or symptoms can put an athlete’s health at risk! 
 
 
Signs Observed by Coaches, Officials, Parents or Guardians   \

Appears dazed, stunned or confused 

Unsure about event, location, or name of meet 

Forgets an instruction or assignment 

Moves clumsily 

Answers questions slowly 

Loses consciousness (even briefly) 

Shows mood, behavior or personality changes - irritability, sadness, nervousness, emotional  

Can’t recall events before or after incident
 
Symptoms Reported by Athlete

 Any headache or “pressure” in head - how badly it hurts does not matter

 Nausea or vomiting 

Balance problems or dizziness 

Double or blurry vision 

Sensitivity to light and/or noise 

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy 

Concentration or memory problems 

Confusion 

Does not “feel right” 

Trouble falling asleep