EDJBA Concussion Policy
The EDJBA is committed to the health and safety of all our players.
In light of the recently released “Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport,” developed by the Australian Institute of Sport, the EDJBA Committee of Management has made the decision to adopt the AIS’s guidelines for Concussion AIS Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport
Key Points of the New Guidelines:
- Understanding Concussion:
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- Concussion is a brain injury that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It can happen from a hit to the head or body.
- Recognising Concussion:
- Look for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, emotional changes, and sleep problems. Use the Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6) to help identify possible concussions.
- Immediate Actions:
- If a concussion is suspected, the player should be immediately removed from play and seen by a healthcare professional (HCP) as soon as possible. Serious signs like neck pain, repeated vomiting, seizures, or severe headaches mean they should go straight to the hospital.
- Returning to Play:
- Players need a 24-48 hour rest period after a concussion. They should only return to play after being symptom-free for at least 14 days and cleared by a HCP. The return should be gradual, starting with light activities and slowly increasing.
- Managing Multiple Concussions:
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- Players with multiple concussions need extra care and longer recovery times, guided by a healthcare team.
“If in doubt, sit them out”
These guidelines are essential for the safety of our young athletes. Please ensure all coaches, parents, and players are aware of these guidelines. We strongly suggest that they are adhered to in the event of a concussion.
Resources:
- The full version of the guidelines is available here. For more information also visit https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au and refer to the AIS Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to player safety.