Common use of Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion Clause in Contracts

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion. Concussion symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or can take several days to appear. Studies have shown that it takes on average 10-14 days or longer for symptoms to resolve and, in rare cases or if the athlete has sustained multiple concussions, the symptoms can be prolonged. Signs and symptoms of concussion can include: (not all-inclusive) • Vacant stare or seeing stars • Lack of awareness of surroundings • Emotions out of proportion to circumstances (inappropriate crying or anger) • Headache or persistent headache, nausea, vomiting • Altered vision • Sensitivity to light or noise • Delayed verbal and motor responses • Disorientation, slurred or incoherent speech • Dizziness, including light-headedness, vertigo(spinning) or loss of equilibrium (being off balance or swimming sensation) • Decreased coordination, reaction time • Confusion and inability to focus attention • Memory loss • Sudden change in academic performance or drop in grades • Irritability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, easy fatigability • In rare cases, loss of consciousness Athletes with signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from activity (play or practice) immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to sustaining another concussion. Athletes who sustain a second concussion before the symptoms of the first concussion have resolved and the brain has had a chance to heal are at risk for prolonged concussion symptoms, permanent disability and even death (called “Second Impact Syndrome” where the brain swells uncontrollably). There is also evidence that multiple concussions can lead to long-term symptoms, including early dementia. Any athlete suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the activity immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without written medical clearance from an appropriate health-care professional (AHCP). In Florida, an appropriate health-care professional (AHCP) is defined as either a licensed physician (MD, as per Chapter 458, Florida Statutes), a licensed osteopathic physician (DO, as per Chapter 459, Florida Statutes). Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. You should also seek medical care and inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than to have your life changed forever. When in doubt, sit them out.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion. Concussion symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or can take several days to appear. Studies have shown that it takes on average 10-14 days or longer for symptoms to resolve and, in rare cases or if the athlete has sustained multiple concussions, the symptoms can be prolonged. Signs and symptoms of concussion can include: (not all-inclusive) • Vacant stare or seeing stars • Lack of awareness of surroundings • Emotions out of proportion to circumstances (inappropriate crying or anger) • Headache or persistent headache, nausea, vomiting • Altered vision • Sensitivity to light or noise • Delayed verbal and motor responses • Disorientation, slurred or incoherent speech • Dizziness, including light-headedness, vertigo(spinning) or loss of equilibrium (being off oR balance or swimming sensation) • Decreased coordination, reaction time • Confusion and inability to focus attention • Memory loss • Sudden change in academic performance or drop in grades • Irritability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, easy fatigability • In rare cases, loss of consciousness Athletes with signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from activity (play or practice) immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to sustaining another concussion. Athletes who sustain a second concussion before the symptoms of the first concussion have resolved and the brain has had a chance to heal are at risk for prolonged concussion symptoms, permanent disability and even death (called “Second Impact Syndrome” where the brain swells uncontrollably). There is also evidence that multiple concussions can lead to long-term symptoms, including early dementia. Any athlete suspected of suffering suRering a concussion should be removed from the activity immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without written medical clearance from an appropriate health-care professional (AHCP). In Florida, an appropriate health-care professional (AHCP) is defined as either a licensed physician (MD, as per Chapter 458, Florida Statutes), a licensed osteopathic physician (DO, as per Chapter 459, Florida Statutes). Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. You should also seek medical care and inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than to have your life changed forever. When in doubt, sit them out.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion. Concussion symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or can take several days to appear. Studies have shown that it takes on average 10-14 days or longer for symptoms to resolve and, in rare cases or if the athlete has sustained multiple concussions, the symptoms can be prolonged. Signs and symptoms of concussion can include: (not all-inclusive) • Vacant stare or seeing stars • Lack of awareness of surroundings • Emotions out of proportion to circumstances (inappropriate crying or anger) • Headache or persistent headache, nausea, vomiting • Altered vision • Sensitivity to light or noise • Delayed verbal and motor responses • Disorientation, slurred or incoherent speech • Dizziness, including light-headedness, vertigo(spinning) or loss of equilibrium (being off balance or swimming sensation) • Decreased coordination, reaction time • Confusion and inability to focus attention • Memory loss • Sudden change in academic performance or drop in grades • Irritability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, easy fatigability • In rare cases, loss of consciousness Athletes with signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from activity (play or practice) immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to sustaining another concussion. Athletes who sustain a second concussion before the symptoms of the first concussion have resolved and the brain has had a chance to heal are at risk for prolonged concussion symptoms, permanent disability and even death (called “Second Impact Syndrome” where the brain swells uncontrollably). There is also evidence that multiple concussions can lead to long-term symptoms, including early dementia. Any athlete suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the activity immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without written medical clearance from an appropriate health-care professional (AHCP). In Florida, an appropriate health-care professional (AHCP) is defined as either a licensed physician (MD, as per Chapter 458, Florida Statutes), a licensed osteopathic physician (DO, as per Chapter 459, Florida Statutes). Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours. You should also seek medical care and inform your child’s coach if you think that your child may have a concussion. Remember, it’s better to miss one game than to have your life changed forever. When in doubt, sit them out. Following physician evaluation, the return to activity process requires the athlete to be completely symptom free, after which time they would complete a step-wise protocol under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer, coach or medical professional and then, receive written medical clearance of an AHCP. For current and up-to-date information on concussions, visit xxxx://xxx.xxx.xxx/concussioninyouthsports/ or xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx Revised 05/18 Parents and students should be aware of preliminary evidence that suggests repeat concussions, and even hits that do not cause a symptomatic concussion, may lead to abnormal brain changes which can only be seen on autopsy (known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)). There have been case reports suggesting the development of Xxxxxxxxx’x-like symptoms, Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), severe traumatic brain injury, depression, and long term memory issues that may be related to concussion history. Further research on this topic is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. I acknowledge the annual requirement for my child/xxxx to view “Concussion in Sports-What You Need to Know” at xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx. I accept responsibility for reporting all injuries and illnesses to my parents, team doctor, athletic trainer, or coaches associated with my sport including any signs and symptoms of CONCUSSION. I have read and understand the above information on concussion. I will inform the supervising coach, athletic trainer or team physician immediately if I experience any of these symptoms or witness a teammate with these symptoms. Furthermore, I have been advised of the dangers of participation for myself and that of my child/xxxx. / / Name of Student-Athlete (printed) Signature of Student-Athlete Date / / Name of Parent/Guardian (printed) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date / / Name of Parent/Guardian (printed) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Florida High School Athletic Association School: School District (if applicable): Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of sports-related death. This policy provides procedures for educational requirements of all paid coaches and recommends added training. Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA can cause death if it’s not treated within minutes. It is strongly recommended all coaches, whether paid or volunteer, are regularly trained in CPR and the use of an AED. Training is encouraged through agencies that provide hands-on training and offer certificates that include an expiration date. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are required at all FHSAA State Series games, tournaments and meets. The FHSAA also strongly recommends that they be available at all preseason and regular season events as well along with coaches/individuals trained in CPR.