Paul George concussion

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Adam

Did anyone see enough to have at him by NFHS rules?

If I had seen the knee to the head, followed by his slowness to get up, I would have gone to the concussion protocol.

[BillyMac]

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.

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.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by AremRed

... I was certain he had a concussion.
...

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

My first thought when I saw the play was that PG had a concussion.

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.

New NBA addition to the concussion protocol: poll the fans.

[JetMetFan]

Here's NJ's protocol:

• Using sound game management procedures and judgment, upon observing a player who exhibits the signs, symptoms or behaviors that are consistent with a concussion, the official shall follow the sport specific guidelines for handling an injured player.
• When appropriate, call time out. If the player’s safety is in jeopardy, call time out immediately.
• Beckon the physician/ATC onto the playing surface.
• Observe the injured player.
• Other game officials keep players/others away from the injured player.
• Apprise the physician/ATC of your observations as to the signs, symptoms, behaviors that are consistent with a concussion, including any conversation that you had with the injured player (any questions and answers that took place prior to the physician/ATC arriving).
• Note the game time, score, period or half, player name/number, etc when injury and removal took place (for those sports that officials do not normally keep a game card on their person, begin doing so).
• If the prescribed written clearance form is signed by a physician, and the player returns to play that day/night, the official in charge must obtain a copy of the signed written clearance form and subsequently submit it to the association’s keeper of records.

Schools and officials are reminded that NJSIAA is a 100% state, meaning that we follow the playing rules established by the NFHS. Every NFHS sports rule book contains the following: …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 the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

Remember that under NJ Law the only “appropriate health-care professional” who can authorize return-to-play under the rule is a physician trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.

I like the fact there's no requirement to say anything to the HC. Beckoning him/her onto the floor is enough to indicate we think something isn't right.