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APPENDIX 1: IWWF PRE-SEASON CONCUSSION EDUCATION SHEET

a. What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that cannot be seen on x-rays, CT or MRI scans. It affects the way a participant thinks and can cause a variety of symptoms.

b. What Causes a Concussion?

Any blow to the head, face or neck, or somewhere else on the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion. Examples include excessive jarring during a jump or falling in the water with direct head impact on the water.

c. When Should I Suspect a Concussion?

A concussion should be suspected in any participant who sustains a significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body and reports ANY symptoms or demonstrates ANY visual signs of a concussion. A concussion should also be suspected if a participant reports ANY concussion symptoms to one of their peers, parents/legal guardians, teachers, coaches or activity leaders or if anyone witnesses a participant exhibiting ANY of the visual signs of concussion. Some participants will develop symptoms immediately while others will develop delayed symptoms (beginning 24 to 48 hours after the injury).

d. What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

• Headaches or head pressure
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred or fuzzy vision
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Balance problems
• Feeling tired or having no energy
• Not thinking clearly
• Feeling slowed down
• Easily upset or angered
• Sadness
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Feeling more emotional
• Sleeping more or sleeping less
• Having a hard time falling asleep
• Difficulty working on a computer
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty learning new information

e. What Are the Visual Signs of a Concussion?

• Lying motionless on the playing surface
• Slow to get up after a direct or indirect hit to the head
• Disorientation or confusion or inability to respond appropriately to questions
• Blank or vacant stare
• Balance, gait difficulties, motor incoordination, stumbling, slow labored movements
• Facial injury after head trauma
• Clutching head

f. What Should I Do If I Suspect a Concussion?

If any participant is suspected of sustaining a concussion during sports they should be immediately removed from activity. Any participant who is suspected of having sustained a concussion during sports activity must not be allowed to return to the sports activity or competition. It is important that ALL participants with a suspected concussion undergo medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner, as soon as possible. It is also important that ALL participants with a suspected concussion receive written medical clearance from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to sport activities.

g. When Can the Participant Return to Sport Activities?

It is important that all participants diagnosed with a concussion follow a stepwise return to sports activities as described in the IWWF Concussion Policy and Protocol.

h. How Long Will It Take for The Participant to Recover?

Most athletes who sustain a concussion will make a complete recovery within 1 to 2 weeks while most youth participants will recover within 1 to 4 weeks. Approximately 15 to 30% of athletes will experience persistent symptoms (more than 2 weeks for adults; more than 4 weeks for youth) that may require additional medical assessment and management.

i. How Can I Help Prevent Concussions and Their Consequences?

Concussion prevention, recognition and management require participants to follow the rules and regulations of their sport, respect their environment, avoid head contact, and report suspected concussions.

j. Signatures:

The following signatures certify that the participant and his/her parent or legal guardian have reviewed the above information related to concussion: