Concussion Awareness

Purpose

This protocol covers the recognition, medical diagnosis, and management of athletes who may sustain a suspected concussion during a sport activity. It aims to ensure that athletes with a suspected concussion receive timely and appropriate care and proper management to allow them to return back to their sport safely. This protocol may not address every possible clinical scenario that can occur during volleyball-related activities but includes critical elements based on the latest evidence and current expert consensus. Who should use

Who should use this protocol?

This guideline is intended for use by all individuals who interact with youth inside and outside the context of school and non-school based organized sports activity, including athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers, trainers, and licensed healthcare professionals. Key procedures

Summary of key procedures

In the event that a Volleyball Manitoba athlete is suspected to have sustained a head injury or concussion, the following procedures must be followed:

Severe head or spine injury

If any athlete is suspected of sustaining a severe head or spine injury during a volleyball-related activity, an ambulance should be called immediately to transfer the patient to Children’s Hospital Emergency Department or the nearest hospital for Medical Assessment.

Medical assessment before return

All athletes with a suspected concussion must provide their coach/teacher with a Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport Medical Assessment or Medical Clearance Letter before returning to any volleyball-related activities.

All youth athletes (<18 years of age), parents, coaches, trainers and officials participating in Volleyball Manitoba activities are required to review the Pre-season Concussion Education Sheet prior to the first practice of the season.