All USASA athletes under the age of 18 years and who are suspected of having sustained a concussion must be removed immediately from participation in USASA sporting event (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions or tryouts), by the Technical Supervisor (TS) or USASA member coach overseeing such sporting event.
The minor athlete will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in USASA sporting events by a qualified health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries.
The health care professional must certify to USASA in the clearance letter that he/she has successfully completed a continuing education course in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries within three years of the day on which the written statement is made.
Upon removal of a minor athlete from participation for a suspected concussion/traumatic brain injury, the USASA TS or member coach making the removal must inform USASA via the injury report for said event.
Athletes who have subsequently been medically cleared to resume participation must provide such medical clearance (as described above) to the USASA TS who authorized the removal from an event. The TS will then notify the USASA office that such a letter has been attained and return to competition is approved.
About Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.
