DANGERS OF CONCUSSION

Concussions at all levels of sports have received a great deal of attention and a state law has been passed to address this issue. Adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion. Once considered little more than a minor "ding" to the head, it is now understood that a concussion has the potential to result in death, or changes in brain function (either short-term or long-term). A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain, and even death.

Player and parental education in this area is crucial - that is the reason for this document. Refer to it regularly. This form must be signed by a parent or guardian of each student who wishes to participate in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) athletics. One copy needs to be returned to the school, and one retained at home (you will receive a copy via email upon submission).

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

• Headache, dizziness, poor balance, moves clumsily, reduced energy level/tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds
• Fogginess of memory, difficulty concentrating, slowed thought processes, confused about surroundings or game assignments
• Unexplained changes in behavior and personality
• Loss of consciousness (NOTE: This does not occur in all concussion episodes.)

BY-LAW 2.68: GHSA CONCUSSION POLICY

In accordance with Georgia law and national playing rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the practice or contest and shall not return to play until an appropriate health care professional has determined that no concussion has occurred. (NOTE: An appropriate health care professional may include licensed physician (MD/DO) or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management.)

1. No athlete is allowed to return to a game or a practice on the same day that a concussion (a) has been diagnosed, OR (b) cannot be ruled out.
2. Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall be cleared medically by an appropriate health care professional prior to resuming participation in any future practice or contest. The formulation of a gradual return to play protocol shall be a part of the medical clearance.

Overview

Sudden cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. The condition usually results from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to your body.

Sudden cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack, when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. However, a heart attach can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

If not treated immediately, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death. With fast, appropriate medical care, survival is possible. Giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using a defibrillator -- or even just giving compressions to the chest -- can improve the chances of survival until emergency workers arrive.

Symptoms

Sudden cardiac arrest signs and symptoms are immediate and drastic and include:

• Sudden collapse
• No pulse
• No breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Sometimes other signs and symptoms occur before sudden cardiac arrest. These might include:

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Palpitations
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unexplained wheezing
• Fainting or near fainting
• Light headedness or dizziness

Sudden cardiac arrest often occurs with no warning. When the heart stops, the lack of oxygenated blood can cause death or permanent brain damage in minutes. Time is critical when you are helping an unconscious person who is not breathing.

What To Do

If you see someone who is unconscious and not breathing normally, do the following:

• Call 911 or the emergency number in your area. If you have immediate access to a telephone, call before beginning CPR.
• Perform CPR. Quickly check the breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR. Push hard and fast on the person's chest -- at the rate of 100-120 compressions a minute. Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions. Keep doing this until a portable defibrillator is available or emergency workers arrive.
• Use a portable defibrillator, if one is available. It will give you systematic voice instructions. Deliver one shock if advised by the device and then immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions, or give chest compressions only, for about two minutes. If necessary, the defibrillator will give another shock. Repeat this cycle until the person recovers consciousness or emergency workers take over.

Further information can be found at www.parentheartwatch.org.

By signing this concussion form, I give Mill Springs Academy permission to transfer this form to the other sports that my child may play. I am aware of the dangers of concussion and sudden cardiac arrest this signed form will represent myself and my child during the 2023-2024 school year. This form will be filed in the school nurse's office with the athletic physical form and other forms required by Mill Springs Academy.

I HAVE READ THIS FORM AND I UNDERSTAND THE FACTS PRESENTED IN IT.