Concussion like symptoms in an AAU game

[ref3808]

Usually in this area (New England) on the rules sheet for a tournament it's written that for all but the rules specifically changed that HS rules apply. I would cite that when dealing with possible concussions.

I've done a few AAU games where athletes have been injured and a concussion was possible/probable and thankfully in each case the coaches have held the athlete out of the remainder of the game.

[johnny d]

I would have done something similar to what you did. I would have told the coach she is displaying concussion like symptoms and cannot come back in the game until she is cleared by a certified trainer or doctor. However, if they tried to put her back in the game, I would have had the person's name and their position noted in the scorebook. At this point, they are assuming responsibility. I would not have taken the step of asking to see some sort of ID or certification.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by johnny d

I would have told the coach she is displaying concussion like symptoms and cannot come back in the game until she is cleared by a certified trainer or doctor.

We have been instructed never to use the "C" word, and to just describe the symptoms when we beckon the coach. "Coach, please come onto the court to administer to your player. He seems to be a little dizzy". It's up to the coach to take it from there, which includes requesting a timeout to keep the player in the game. All Connecticut interscholastic coaches, by state law, at all levels, must receive first aid training to keep their "coaching certificate", which includes training, also by state law, on how to deal with concussions. Coaches, trainers, athletic directors, principals, and school superintendents, are all well aware of the seriousness of concussions, or concussion-like, symptoms, and their legal implications, and ramifications, and how to deal with such.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by ref3808

. . . I've done a few AAU games where athletes have been injured and a concussion was possible/probable and thankfully in each case the coaches have held the athlete out of the remainder of the game.

Our state association has committed the schools and their representatives to a protocol which leaves the determination of whether or not a concussion has been sustained to their “appropriate health care professional.” This was, at first, a controversial item, since that AHCP need not be a licensed physician or certified trainer--it could even be the coach! Many feared that we officials would be allowing concussed players, compelled by overly zealous coaches, to reenter the game when they shouldn't be allowed to play. However, those fears seem to have been unsubstantiated, probably because the penalty, not to mention the possible legal liability on the school, is so high.
I've not heard of a situation where this protocol has been abused for the sake of keeping a player with a concussion in the game.
Our state legislature has before it right now a bill which would extend a similar protocol to non-state sanctioned sports as well. This should cover everything from Little League, to USSSA, to AAU, to Mini-Mites--whatever.
Hope things are going in that direction in your state as well.