Effective immediately, Special Olympics Inc. (SOI), has enacted a concussion policy. The policy is for athlete safety. In addition, numerous states, including Indiana, have new state laws regarding athletics and concussions. In order to be proactive and compliant, SOI has created the new Concussion Awareness & Safety Recognition Policy.
The policy has two parts. Part one is effective immediately!
CONCUSSION AWARENESS AND SAFETY RECOGNITION POLICY (Part One)
Objective
It is Special Olympics’ intent to take steps to help ensure the health and safety of all Special Olympics participants. All Special Olympics participants should remember that safety comes first and should take reasonable steps to help minimize the risks for concussion or other serious brain injuries.
Defining a Concussion
A concussion is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head as well as serial, cumulative hits to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth—causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull. Although concussions are usually not life-threatening, their effects can be serious and therefore proper
attention must be paid to individuals suspected of sustaining a concussion.
Suspected or Confirmed Concussion
Effective January 1, 2015, a participant who is suspected of sustaining a concussion in a practice, game or competition shall be removed from practice, play or competition at that time. If a qualified medical professional is available on-site to render an evaluation, that person shall have final authority as to whether or not a concussion is suspected. If applicable, the participant’s parent or guardian should be made aware that the participant is suspected of sustaining a concussion.
Return to Play
A participant who has been removed from practice, play or competition due to a suspected concussion may not participate in Special Olympics sports activities until either of the following occurs (i) at least seven (7) consecutive days have passed since the participant was removed from play and a currently licensed, qualified medical professional provides written clearance for the participant to return to practice, play and competition or (ii) a currently licensed, qualified medical professional determines that the participant did not suffer a concussion and provides written clearance for the participant to return to practice play immediately. Written clearance in either of the scenarios above shall become a permanent record.
Part Two will be shared with members of the Management Team at the Regional Conference in July. Any questions and/or concerns regarding the implementation of Part One, please contact our Program Coordinator, Greg Townsend, immediately at 812-5854-6861.
