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
