Head injury

[Rich]

Originally Posted by SAK

Middle school tournament.

Player goes down clutching his head. Partner goes in to see what is wrong and spend several minutes with the player. She coaches him to sit up when he is ready. Contrary to what I have be taught to avoid player who has been injured.

I confirm with the table staff that there is no trainer on staff today. I ask my partner if she suspects a head injury. She confirmed I tells her that the player is then disqualified for the day as I suspect a head injury. She says that she agrees unless the tournament director says otherwise. I inform her that without medical clearance this child will not play again today, at least on my court. She informs me that she will listen to the tournament director. I inform her that the tournament directors can say what he wants but when the ball is tossed it is then our responsibility as the game officials.

Partner feels that there is no expectations for us a officials to know the prototypical. However, my argument is that as high school officials there is an expectation both legally and ethically to protect the players and in addition we have liability if we suspected a head injury to have the player medically cleared (in Arizona a staff trainer qualifies as the medical professional).

Looking for thoughts on this saturation and other ways to handle it.

FWIW both me and partner are high school varsity officials as certified by the state association

The officials have all the authority here. That kid wouldn't play if I was officiating. If the TD felt otherwise, I'd leave.