Quote:
Originally Posted by BadNewsRef
If I had seen the knee to the head, followed by his slowness to get up, I would have gone to the concussion protocol.
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Here, in The Constitution State, we would have said to the coach, "I believe that your player was kneed in the head and he looks wobbly" (note that we're discouraged from using the "C" word). After that, it's entirely up to the coach to allow, or disallow, that player from continued participating in the game.
From our protocol (follows state law, and state athletic governing body, guidelines):
If an official observes a player exhibiting any signs or symptoms of a possible
concussion, he/she shall provide the opportunity for the coach, trainer, or other
appropriate health care professionals to properly check the athlete and then defer
to the their judgment.
• The official should stop play and either beckons the coach onto the field or escort
the player to the coach, depending on the circumstance. State that “the player should
be checked out, and if necessary, provide other information you deem appropriate”.
Do not say that the athlete has a concussion. At this point the official’s job is done.
• If it is determined the athlete is not injured or the injury is NOT related to a
concussion the athlete may return to the game in accordance with NFHS rules.
• If an athlete is returned to the game and the official again observes signs and
symptoms of a possible concussion, the protocol should be repeated.
In part, Public Act 1062
– An Act Concerning Student Athletes And Concussions…
�� Mandates that all coaches complete a course in the management of
concussions prior to coaching that includes training in the recognition of
signs and symptoms of a concussion or head injury;
��
Places the primary responsibility for the athlete’s health and safety, including
the recognition of signs and symptoms of a possible concussion on the coach;
�� Requires that a coach must immediately remove a student athlete from
participating in a game or practice who is observed to exhibit signs,
symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion, following an observed
or suspected blow to the head or body, or if the athlete is diagnosed with a
concussion;
�� Emphasizes that coaches abide by the return to play procedure and protocol
required by the law, which includes written medical clearance by a licensed
health care professional*, followed by a gradual return to play procedure that
should prohibit any student confirmed to have signs and symptoms of a
concussion to return to play on the same day as the injury. *(According to
CT state law, a licensed health care professional is a physician,
physician’s assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, and an athletic
trainer trained in the evaluation and management of concussions)
�� States that any coach found in violation of the law may have his/her coaching
certificate revoked.