[BillyMac]

CONCUSSION PROCEDURE REVISED (2-8-5; 3-3-8): Any player who exhibits
signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion must be immediately
removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate
health-care professional. The previous rule directed officials to remove an
athlete from play if “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” The previous rule
also allowed for return to play based on written authorization by a medical doctor.
The new rule requires that any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or
behaviors consistent with a concussion, such as loss of consciousness,
headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately
removed from play and shall not return until cleared by an appropriate health-care
professional. Officials, coaches and administrators should be looking for signs of
concussion in all athletes and should immediately remove any suspected concussed
athlete from play and make every effort to ensure a concussed athlete
does not continue to participate.

2.8.5 SITUATION: A1 and B1 hit heads in diving for a loose ball and both
appear injured. However, A1 is immediately removed from the game by the officials
as he/she is exhibiting signs consistent with a concussion. Later in the
game, A1 reports to the scorer’s table to reenter the contest. RULING: The rules
permit A1 to return to the game once he/she has been cleared by an appropriate
health-care professional. The responsibility for obtaining that clearance rests with
the coach/school, and need not be verified by the officials (unless state procedures
require verification). If A1 appears at the scorer’s table to reenter the game,
the officials shall assume the coach/school followed the appropriate return-toplay
procedures and A1 is eligible to participate.