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The purpose of this policy is to govern Concussion Protocol in the sport of Softball in the province of Ontario within Slo-Pitch Ontario (SPOA) and its Members sanctioned events.

• CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructors

The Policy covers the following SPOA and Member sanctioned events including but not limited to:

• Competitions (Qualifiers, Provincials and National Championships in Ontario)

• Tournaments (Invitational and Private tournaments as per sanctioning)

• Technical Development Clinics (CANpitch Clinics, Softball Performance Centre)

This policy is for all of SPOA and its membership. If members fail to comply with this policy, they may face penalties as outlined in terms of Membership.

• Is a traumatic brain injury that causes changes in how the brain functions, leading to signs and symptoms that can emerge immediately or over the course of 24-72 hours;

• May be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face or neck, or elsewhere on the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head;

• Can occur even if there has been no loss of consciousness (in fact most concussions occur without the loss of consciousness)

• Cannot normally be seen on X-rays, standard CT scans or MRI’s and

• Is typically expected in symptoms lasting up to 4 weeks in children (18 years or under), and in some cases, symptoms are prolonged

• Please see the General Concussion Symptoms

• Research suggests that a child or youth who suffers a second concussion before he/she is symptom-free from the first concussion is susceptible to a prolonged period of recovery, and possibly Second Impact Syndrome- a rare condition that causes rapid and severe brain swelling and often catastrophic results

• Recent research has made it clear that a concussion can have a significant impact on a student’s cognitive and physical abilities. In fact, research shows that activities that require concentration can actually cause a student’s concussion symptoms to reappear or worsen. It is equally important to develop strategies to assist students as they “return to learn” in the classroom as it is to develop strategies to assist them “return to physical activity”. Without addressing identification and proper management, a concussion can result in permanent brain damage and in rare occasions, even death.

All participants who experience any concussion signs and symptoms (see General Concussion Symptoms) following a blow the head or another part of the body is considered to have a suspected concussion and must stop participation in the softball activity.

A suspected concussion can be identified in three ways:

1. Self-reported signs and symptoms- even if there was only one symptom

2. Observed signs and symptoms from a caring adult (Coach, Manager, Trainer, Parent, Fan, Executive, Official)

3. Peer-report signs and symptoms from an Athlete/Player, Coach, Parent, Fan, Executive, Official

Who is responsible for removal from play?

If a suspected concussion occurs, it is the responsibility of all team officials/caring adult (Coach, Manager, Trainer, Parent, Executive, Official) to remove the participant from participating in softball activity immediately. When present, a Caring Adult holds the final decision to remove participants with a suspected concussion. The Most Caring Adult should be identified prior to the activity. If there is doubt that a concussion has occurred, it is to be assumed that there has.

If a participant experiences a sudden onset of any of the Red Flag Symptoms, 911 should be called immediately (see Red Flag Symptoms).

Headache            Feeling mentally foggy   Sensitive to light

Nausea Feeling slowed down      Sensitive to sound

Dizziness              Difficulty Concentrating Irritability

Vomiting              Difficulty Remembering Sadness

Visual Problems Drowsiness         Nervous/anxious

Balance problems            Sleeping more/less than usual    More emotional

Numbness/tingling          Trouble falling asleep      Fatigue

Headaches that worsen Can't recognize people or places

Seizures or convulsions  Increase in confusion or irritability

Repeated vomiting          Weakness/tingling/burning in arms or legs

Loss of consciousness     Persistent or increasing neck pain

Looks very drowsy/can't be awakened     Unusual behaviour change

Slurred speech   Focal neurological signs (e.g. paralysis, weakness, etc.)

This policy should include strategies for preventing and minimizing the risk of sustaining a concussion at sanctioned SPOA activities (e.g. all practices, training opportunities, and competitions). In addressing the Prevention component for Softball’s guidelines:

Implementation of all Stakeholder's Code of Conduct and other rules/regulations that address safe play

Reference: Softball Canada Official Rule Book including: official equipment, official field equipment (safety bases), obstruction/interference, uniforms, jewerly, sliding

Checking equipment to ensure correct fit, good condition and replacing according to manufacturer's instructions - being checked by Softball Ontario's Umpires pre-comepetition (at all levels of play)

Checking facilities to ensure a safe environment for participation (Officials and Coaches)

3.0 Identification: Recognize, Remove and Refer

All participants in a sanctioned SPOA Association activity who experience any concussion signs and symptoms following a blow to the head or another part of the body is considered to have a suspected concussion and must stop participation in SPOA activity immediately. It is important to note that symptoms can take 24-72 hours to appear. A participant does not have to be unconscious to suffer a concussion.

Concussion

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