Concussion Awareness
1. Purpose. SLA’s primary goal is player safety. SLA recognizes and is dedicated to educating 
    its members about the serious risks posed to athletes from traumatic brain injuries such as 
    concussions. In order to promote player safety and recognition of concussion symptoms, 
    SLA has adopted the following Concussion Policy.
2. Basic Concussion Information. 
     a. What is a Concussion? Concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, is caused by a 
         bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that 
         causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth—causing the brain to bounce 
         around or twist within the skull. This sudden movement of the brain can cause stretching 
         and tearing of brain cells, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
     b. Concussion Prevention. To minimize risk of concussions:
           Players must follow the laws of the games and all rules for safety.
           Boys must use NOCSAE certified helmets, though no such equipment exists which is 
          “concussion-proof”.
     c. Symptoms of Concussions:
           Parents or coaches may observe the following common symptoms associated with 
          concussions:
                • Appears to be dazed or stunned
                • Is confused about assignment
                • Forgets plays
                • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
                • Moves clumsily
                • Answers questions slowly
                • Loses consciousness (even temporarily)
                • Shows behavior or personality change
                • Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)
                • Forgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia)
           Players may report the following symptoms:
                • Headache • Nausea• Balance problems or dizziness• Double or fuzzy vision• Sensitivity to light or noise • Feeling sluggish• Feeling "foggy"• Change in sleep pattern• Concentration or memory problems
           Severe Concussion Danger Signs 
                • One pupil larger than the other
                • Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
                • A headache that gets worse
                • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
                • Repeated vomiting or nausea • Slurred speech • Convulsions or seizures • Cannot recognize people or places • Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated • Has unusual behavior • Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
     d. Diagnosis and Treatment - Upon occurrence of a suspected concussion, the player should 
        be removed from play and precluded from further participation in the current game. Any 
        player suspected of suffering a concussion should be evaluated by a qualified medical 
        professional within 72 hours of the concussion and follow the professional advice given by 
        the attending doctor or physician. If diagnosed with a concussion, players should follow the 
3. Return to Play Guidelines set forth below.
    Coaching Education and Certification of Concussion Awareness.
     a. Before the spring season all coaches will participate in the SLA Concussion Awareness
         brief
     b. At least once annually, all coaches shall participate in concussion awareness certification. 
        SLA currently requires all coaches participate in the CDC’s “Head’s Up” online training 
        and certification program, available at www.cdc.gov/concussion.
     c. Coaches shall be required to submit a certification of successful completion of the 
        concussion awareness program to their respective Commissioner.
     d. If a coach suspects an athlete has suffered a concussion, the coach shall remove the 
        player from play, including practices, and notify the player’s parents as soon as possible, 
        but not later than immediately after the game/practice in which the suspected concussion 
        occurred. The coach shall not allow the player to participate further until adequate 
        authorization has been provided by a qualified medical professional. 
4.  Parent and Athlete Awareness.
     a. Players are encouraged to obtain baseline concussion testing at least every other year 
        from middle school through high school.

     b. At least once per year, parents and players shall acknowledge receipt and understanding 
        of current concussion related materials to be provided by the club as part of the 
        registration process. These materials shall also be available online via the club’s website. 
         A coach from each team or age group shall also ensure distribution of concussion-related 
        materials to parents in accordance with section 1.2.7 of these rules. Players who have not 
        returned completed acknowledgments will not be allowed to participate in league 
        activities.
5.  Return to Play Guidelines
     a. Prior to returning to play, players having suffered a concussion must present clearance 
        from a qualified medical professional.
     b. Following diagnosis of a concussion, players should complete the following recovery 
        program. Each step must be successfully completed at least one full day prior to 
        advancing to the subsequent step.
Step 1. No activity. Physical and mental exercise should be limited to promote 
Step 2. Light aerobic exercise. Heart rate may be elevated with non-contact, low- to 
            moderate-intensity running, walking, biking, or weight lifting.
Step 3. Sport-specific exercise. Player may engage in sport specific, non-contact play 
           including high intensity sprinting or biking, regular weight lifting routine and other 
           non-contact activities.
Step 4. Return to Practice. Player may participate in full contact, controlled practice 
           setting.
Step 5. Return to Play. Player may engage in full competition.

6. Administration
    Players and parents should read the club’s current Concussion Policy and Fact Sheets which can 
    be found on the SLA website. After reading these fact sheets, parents and players must sign to 
    acknowledge receipt of this concussion information and understanding of the risks of 
    concussions associated with the sport and return the sheet to the head coach