When in doubt, hold them out, summarizes new concussion guidelines for Ohio’s young athletes. The new law highlights important changes to the way head injuries are handled.
The legislation was mandated by the Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors and was adopted by Ohio’s General Assembly.
The new law includes youth organizations, junior high and high school interscholastic sport. It places more responsibility on coaches, officials and parents to do the right thing.
Jonathon Faber, D.O., MedCentral Sports Medicine, said Ohio’s new guidelines for concussion take a positive step forward by putting everyone on the same page.
“By enhancing awareness of the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and by educating coaches and officials on the subject, we can be more vigilant in removing suspected athletes from competition if they have a concussion,” he said. “This is important because a concussion can have implications far beyond the athletic field, affecting both a student’s performance in school and regular daily social interactions. This gives us all a better chance to return the athlete’s safely to competition and class without lingering symptoms.”
Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or head injury shall be removed from practice or competition and may not be allowed to resume play until evaluated by a medical professional. The athlete will not be allowed to return to play on the same day as removal. Upon evaluation by a medical professional, the athlete must receive written authorization to return to play.
After clearance has been issued, the athlete’s actual return to practice and play should follow a graduated protocol as explained below:
1. No activities that require exertion until the athlete is symptom free.
2. When the athlete appears clear, begin low-impact activity such as walking or riding a stationary bike.
3. Initiate aerobic activity fundamental to a specific sport such as running. The athlete may also begin progressive strength training activities.
4. Begin non-contact skill drills specific to a sport such as dribbling, fielding or batting.
5. Full contact in practice setting.
6. Game play/competition.
An athlete must remain symptom free to progress to the next level. It is suggested that an athlete not be allowed to progress more than one level per day. If symptoms recur, the athlete must return to the previous level and should be reevaluated by a medical professional.
A medical check should occur before contact. Final written clearance from the medical professional shall be obtained before the athlete engages in any unrestricted or full contact activity.
MedCentral athletic trainers are knowledgeable on the new concussion guidelines. They are contracted by Lexington, Madison, Mansfield and Shelby high schools to take care of student athletes.
For more information contact Dr. Faber at 419-756-8899 or one of our athletic trainers at MedCentral Sports Medicine at 419-526-8567.
More information: http://www.ohsaa.org/medicine/sportssafety.htm.