Coach Resource: Concussion Awareness

This information is not designed to train coaches on how to implement medical treatment or offer medical advice. Below are only guidelines to help coaches to understand the seriousness an injury to the head as well as some recommendations on how to manage situation involving head injuries in a responsible manner. Coaches must take precautions and should enforce strict safety measures when dealing with injuries.

Head injuries must be treated by a qualified medical professional. It is important to note that there is currently a lack of consensus in the medical community regarding precise grading scales and criteria for returning to training or competition following a concussion.

The head (helmet/facemask) should never be used to make initial contact with another player!

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain from a hit to the head or to another part of the body where that impact force is transferred to the head. A concussion can exhibit as an alteration in mental state and physical symptoms.

A Concussion is a Brian Injury.

• You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

• Symptoms are often subtle

• Properly fitted protective equipment must be worn

Some Common Causes of Concussions

Producing a complete list of possible causes is difficult as head injuries vary from sport to sport. However, some common causes include:

• Direct blows to the head, face, jaw or neck

• Collisions from the blind side or hits from behind

• Hard fall on the buttocks or a whiplash effect

• Poor quality of protective sport equipment (shock absorption), failure to wear protective head equipment, or improper adjustment of such equipment

• The environment (e.g. Obstacles near a playing surface)

• Significant differences in the skill level, age, or size of athletes involved in activities with physical contact or risk of impact

• Poor physical condition or insufficient strength in the neck and upper-body musculature

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

• Confusion and Disorientation 

• Double Vision or Fuzzy Vision 

• Loss of Consciousness 

• Ringing in the Ears 

• Headache 

• Slow or slurred Speech 

• Dizziness 

• Seeing Stars 

• Nausea and Vomiting 

• Feeling Stunned or Dazed 

• Loss of balance 

• Emotional or Personality Changes

Managing an Athlete's Return after a Concussion

After an athlete has received authorization to return to training, it must be done gradually and must be re-evaluated periodically to ensure no symptoms reappear.

Return to Play Steps:

• Step 1: No activity, complete rest: if no symptoms are observed for one full day, proceed to step 2
• Step 2: Low-intensity continuous exercise, such as walking, jogging or cycling, if no symptoms are observed, proceed to step 3
• Step 3: Low Intensity, sport specific activity without contact, if no symptoms are observed, proceed to step 4
• Step 4: Moderate - intensity, sport specific training activities without body contact, if no symptoms are observed, proceed to step 5
• Step 5: Regular practice with body contact if it is required by the sport (no hard impact); if no symptoms are observed, proceed to step 6
• Step 6: Return to regular training and to competition.

**If symptoms do recur, the athlete must immediately stop any form of activity and be examined by a medical doctor before resuming training or competition.**

Safety & Precautions

In any contact sport there is a risk of injury. We take precautions to minimize the risks involved.

• Coaches are educated in NCCP Safe Contact.

• Concussion Protocols are followed.

• All Association Helmets are certifed.

• Mouthguard are manditory.

• SMCA Qualified Trainers

For more Information: SMCA: Alberta Concussion Awareness