Concussion Overview 2017 Recertification

Topics USSF Lawsuit USSF Policy USYSA Policy Maryland Law MSYSA/VYSA Heading Policy Developmental Academy Policy

VSA On August 27, 2014 - Hagens Berman Law Firm filed a 132 page class action suit claiming US Soccer “failed to provide adequate concussion management”. http://hbsscreative.com/emails/downloads/08-27-14_FIFA_Complaint_Filed.pdf Also named in the suit were FIFA, AYSO, USYSA, US Club Soccer, California Youth Soccer Association November 2, 2015 - US Soccer announces “Player Safety Campaign”

Player Safety Campaign Improve concussion awareness and education among youth coaches, referees, parents and players Instill uniform concussion management and return-to-play protocols for youth players Modify substitution rules to allow players who may have suffered a concussion during games to be evaluated without penalty Prohibit heading the ball for children 10 and under and limit the activity in practice only for ages 11 to 13.

USYSA Concussion Procedures (5 step) Did a concussion occur? Is emergency treatment needed? If a possible concussion occurred, but no emergency treatment is needed, what should be done now? A player diagnosed with a possible concussion may return to US Youth Soccer play only after release from a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy specializing in concussion treatment and management. If there is a possibility of a concussion, do the following:

Maryland Law (14-501) (c)    (1)   A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play at that time. (2)   A youth athlete who has been removed from play may not return to play until the youth athlete has obtained written clearance from a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. (5)   “Youth sports program” means a program organized for recreational athletic competition or instruction for participants who are under the age of 19 years.

MSYSA/VYSA Policy (U11 & younger) Ball touches head = STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY If deliberate, IFK from spot of offense If inadvertent, dropped ball from spot of ball Player safety is highest priority Rule modification, NOT violation of Law 12 No DOGSO possible No Advantage – play is immediately stopped If goal after contact – no goal

Developmental Academy Concussion Procedures Remove athlete from play immediately Player should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, specially trained in the evaluation and management of sports concussion. Cognitive and Physical Rest Neuropsychological Testing Graded Exercise progression Return to Play