Groesbeck ISD
Concussion Management
http://www.uiltexas.org/health/info/concussions
Groesbeck ISD takes head injuries and concussions very seriously. Any athlete who exhibits signs or symptoms of a concussion, or has abnormal cognitive testing, will be removed from participation and will not be allowed to return to play until further evaluated. “When in doubt, hold them out!” If you suspect your child has sustained a concussion, contact with the athletic trainer needs to be made immediately, either by you or through the athlete’s coach. The athletic trainer is trained to comprehensively evaluate a potential concussion and will refer as needed.
It is a new requirement as of Fall 2017 for every participant of a Groesbeck High School contact sport to complete a baseline concussion test conducted by the LAT. This allows for a better comparison of cognitive and balance abilities before and after a suspected minor traumatic brain injury has occurred. This test takes less than 5 minutes to complete and is instrumental in allowing the LAT to make a more informed decision about whether or not to suspect a concussion.
The following are observed & reported signs of a concussion:
Observed Signs (by athletic trainer or coach):
1. Dazed or stunned appearance
2. Confusion about assignment, play, score
3. Memory loss
4. Altered coordination
5. Balance problems
6. Personality changes
7. Responds slowly to questions
8. Forgets events either prior to hit or post hit
9. Loss of consciousness (any duration)**
10. Slurring words**
11. Vomitting**
**denotes red flag – immediate transport to ER
Reported Symptoms (by athlete):
1. Headache
2. Fatigue
3. Nausea
4. Double or blurry vision
5. Sensitivity to light or noise
6. Feels “sluggish” or “foggy”
7. Problems concentrating
8. Problems remembering
Once a concussion is suspected…
Light aerobic exercise
Speed & agility, sports specific drills
Non- contact sports specific drills, and weight training
Contact sports specific drills (no live) and weight training
Introduction to full non-contact, live practice
If no symptoms occur during protocol, they will be released to full competition
IF A FOOTBALL PLAYER SUSTAINS A CONCUSSION ON A THURSDAY OR FRIDAY NIGHT, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THEY BE ALLOWED TO PLAY THE VERY NEXT WEEK.