Concussion Awareness

Volleyball Manitoba Youth Concussion Protocol

In collaboration with Sport Manitoba, Volleyball Manitoba has developed the Volleyball Manitoba Youth Concussion Protocol to help guide the management of athletes who may have a suspected concussion as a result of participation in volleyball-related activities.

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.

Application to non-sport related concussion

This guideline has been adapted from the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport. However, the management principles described in these guidelines should also be applied to children and adolescents who sustain a concussion outside of a sporting activity and are returning to sports.

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.

Summary

The following is a summary of the Volleyball Manitoba Youth Concussion Protocol.

1. All youth athletes (<18 years of age), parents, coaches, trainers and officials participating in Volleyball Manitoba activities are required to review the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport Pre-season Concussion Education Sheet prior to the first practice of the season. In addition to reviewing information on concussion, it is also important that all sport stakeholders have a clear understanding of the Volleyball Manitoba Youth Concussion Protocol.
2. In the event that a Volleyball Manitoba athlete is suspected to have sustained a head injury or concussion the following procedures must be followed:

a) 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. If follow-up care is needed, the patient should follow-up with their primary care provider or a referral can be made to the Pan Am Concussion Program.

b) If the athlete develops symptoms of a concussion during a volleyball game or practice, they must be evaluated immediately at the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department or the nearest emergency room. If follow-up care is needed, the patient should follow-up with their primary care provider or a referral can be made to the Pan Am Concussion Program.

c) If the athlete develops delayed concussion symptoms several hours later, the athlete should be evaluated by their primary care provider.

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.

For more information on the Volleyball Manitoba Youth Concussion Protocol, please see the Resources available on the right-hand side for an outline of the complete protocol.

For more information on concussions, please visit Parachute Canada.