AFL Coaching Courses 2014

Concussion Management for Coaches

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Coaches

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Concussion

• A mild brain injury caused by trauma that results in temporary dysfunction of the brain.

– Trauma can be direct (blow to the head) or indirect (whiplash).

– Generally causes symptoms and temporary loss of brain skills (memory, thinking abilities, balance)

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Concussion Symptoms & Signs

Symptoms

Headache

Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain

Dizziness

Altered or lost vision

Fatigue

Ringing in the ears

Memory disturbance

Loss of consciousness

Signs Loss of balance Irritability Pale complexion Poor concentration Slow or altered verbal

skills Inappropriate behaviour Mental confusion and

memory loss Not feeling your usual

self!

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Concussion Management

Player welfare is the critical element

1. Suspect concussion in any player with one or more of the symptoms after a knock to the head or heavy body clash

2. Remove the player from play and refer for medical evaluation

3. Ensure the player has received medical clearance before allowing them to return to the game or a graded training program

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Concussion Management – Children (5-17)

All of the previous steps apply – with further considerations

1. Children’s brains are still developing 2. Concussion symptoms (memory & information

processing problems) can interfere with a child’s ability to learn

3. Children are not to return to play until they have successfully returned to school, without worsening symptoms

4. It is reasonable to miss a day or two of school after concussion

5. Medical clearance is required before they return to school, followed by an appropriately graded , symptom-limited training program

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Concussion Management

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Concussion Management Resources

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Concussion Management Resources

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Concussion Management Resources

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Coaching Resources – All include the guidelines

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Coaches’ Responsibilities

• A major responsibility is a duty of care to players (both teams) and their welfare

• In accordance with the AFL Coaches’ Code of Conduct, coaches must not put undue pressure on medical staff, trainers or players in regards to returning to play

• Be familiar with and follow the AFL’s Concussion Management Guidelines

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Positive Steps for Coaches

• Coach your players to play within the “Spirit of the Game”

• Familiarise yourself with and follow the AFL’s Guidelines

• Ensure your club has supplies of AFL Resources

• Ensure all relevant match personnel have the same understanding

• Display the AFL Concussion Poster in clubrooms

• All medical support staff have SCAT3 or pocket CRT cards

• Educate players and parents about concussion and other safety policies

• Provide player/parent handouts on match day

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Summary

Player welfare is the critical element

1. Recognise The injury: Suspect concussion in any player with one or more of the symptoms or signs after a knock to the head or heavy body clash

2. Remove from the game - and refer the player for medical evaluation – Player must not return to the game

3. Ensure the player has received medical clearance before allowing them to return to the game or a graded training program

A concussed child must not return to play or sport until they have successfully returned to school without worsening symptoms

If in doubt, sit them out