Policy Statement. In 2011, Minnesota issued 121A.38 CONCUSSION PROCEDURES regarding minor athletes returning to play after sustaining a concussion. To comply with these procedures, the Eastview Athletic Association (EVAA) requires certain Volunteers to demonstrate completion of acceptable concussion training every three years so as to ensure their knowledge on concussion signs and symptoms as well as return-to-play protocols. Individuals failing to timely complete, refresh, or submit training evidence may be prohibited from continuing their volunteering.

Concussion Reporting. Concussions should be reported to EVAA via email at concussions@evaasports.org.

Volunteers requiring Concussion Training.

• All Volunteers serving in an EVAA role, including as a head coach, assistant coach, or another role responsible for EVAA athletes or concussion response protocols during EVAA-facilitated athletic activities (including EVAA and EVAA Program leadership) are required to timely complete and evidence acceptable concussion training.
• Parents, guardians, and other supporters are encouraged (but not required) to complete training to help promote general safety.

Acceptable Training.  

• EVAA recommends the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HEADS UP training—Volunteers must create a CDC Train platform account to access the course; instructions are provided on the CDC website.
• Volunteers may maintain professional licenses or accreditation that independently requires similar training in concussion identification, response, and return-to-play—such training can satisfy EVAA requirements subject to EVAA approval.

Demonstrating Completion. Volunteers must submit evidence of training by: (i) email to EVAA at concussions@evaasports.org, or (ii) by uploading evidence to an EVAA Volunteer/Coach Registration Record in SportsEngine. Evidence often includes a document or screenshot showing the training date and Volunteer’s name (for example, a CDC HEADS UP certificate). Alternative training may need additional detail to demonstrate equivalency to the recommended CDC training. During EVAA volunteer/coach registration, individuals will be asked to attest to successfully completing this requirement in compliance with this Policy.

Duration of Validity. Acceptable concussion training is effective for three years beginning on the date of the training’s completion regardless of the type of training or any dates of an individual’s corresponding license or accreditation. Training is valid for an EVAA sport season if the training’s three-year expiration occurs after the season’s start date.

Concussion Resources. Refer to the CDC website for coaches, parents, officials, and athletes. To promote awareness, additional CDC information is excerpted below:

• What is a Concussion? Concussions are types of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by bumps, blows, or jolts to the head, or hits to the body, that cause rapid back-and-forth head and brain movement, which can cause chemical changes or stretch and damage brain cells. While concussions may not be life-threatening, effects can be serious or permanent.
• Signs & Symptoms and Danger Signs. Recognize observed, reported, or dangerous indications, and remember that symptoms often appear soon after but may take hours or days to fully appear:
  • Observed symptoms can include inability to recall events before or after the incident, appearing dazed or stunned, forgetting instructions, confusing assignments, positions, games, scores, or opponents, or showing clumsy movement, slow response to questions, any apparent loss of consciousness, or mood, behavior, or personality changes.
  • Reported symptoms can include headache or head pressure, nausea, vomiting, balance issues, dizziness, double/blurry vision, light or noise sensitivity, sluggish/hazy/foggy feelings, confusion, concentration, or memory problems, or feeling “not right” or “down”.
  • Danger signs can include pupil size difference between each eye, drowsiness or inability to remain awake, worsening or lingering headache, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination, repeated vomiting, nausea, convulsions, or seizures, unusual behavior, increased confusion or agitation, or any loss of consciousness.
• Response and Action Plans. Remove athletes from activity immediately and seek prompt medical care; families should seek written instructions from medical professionals on guidance for returning to activities. “When in doubt, sit them out!”
• Recovery. There are four recovery stages, including rest, limited activity, moderate activity, and return to regular activity; families should work with medical professionals to understand timeframes and boundaries.
• Returning to School and Returning to Sports. Careful coordination with medical professionals is critical for a safe return in order to reduce the chance of ongoing or future injury or permanent brain damage.
  • A six-step return to play protocol includes returning to school activities, light aerobics, moderate activity, heavy/non-contact activity, practice/full-contact, and competition.
  • Families should not assume coaches know of prior injuries—always talk to your coaches to ensure awareness!
  • Coaches should look for notes or other documentation from medical professionals clearing the athlete to play, or reassess the athlete using their training. “When in doubt, sit them out!”

When should a player return to play?