1. Concussion Overview 2017 Recertification

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

3. VSA
On August 27, Hagens Berman Law Firm filed a 132 page class action suit claiming US Soccer “failed to provide adequate concussion management”.
Also named in the suit were FIFA, AYSO, USYSA, US Club Soccer, California Youth Soccer Association
November 2, US Soccer announces “Player Safety Campaign”

4. 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.

5. 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:

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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