Safety in Wrestling
Concussion Statement
Each day in our nation, hundreds of thousands of young athletes head out to the fields, ice and gymnasiums to practice and compete in a wide variety of sports. There’s no doubt that these sports are a great way for kids and teens to stay healthy, as well as learn important leadership and team-building skills. But medical researchers have discovered young athletes, especially kids and teens, often don’t recognize their own limitations; especially when they have a concussion. Youth concussion can have long-term impacts on young athletes such as their health, memory, learning and even their survival. This has lead to a new effort to improve prevention, recognition and response to sports-related concussion. In an effort to support our athletes growth and health, all Peachtree Ridge Wrestling Coaches have completed concussion training.
Concussion Information
A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. In other words, even a "ding" or a bump on the head can be serious. You can't see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
HeadachesAmnesiaPressure in head"Don't feel right"Nausea or vomitingFatigue or low energyNeck painSadnessBalance problems or dizzinessNervousness or anxietyBlurred, double, or fuzzy visionIrritabilitySensitivity to light or noiseMore emotionalFeeling sluggish or slowed downConfusionFeeling foggy or groggyConcentration or memory problemsDrowsiness(forgetting game plays)Change in sleep patternsRepeating the same question/comment
Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches included:
Appears dazedSlurred speechVacant facial expressionShows behavior or personality changesConfused about assignmentCan't recall events prior to hitForgets playsCan't recall events after hitIs unsure of game, score, or opponentSeizures or convulsionsMoves clumsily or displays incoordinationAny change in typical behavior or personalityAnswers questions slowlyLoses consciousness
What can happen if my child keeps on playing with a concussion or returns too soon?
Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately.Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athlete will often under report symptoms of injuries. And concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete's safety.
If you think your child has suffered a concussion
Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours.
"A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from competition at that time"
And
"…may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed heath care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and received written clearance to return to play from that health care provider".
You should also inform your child's coach if you think that your child may have a concussion.
Remember it's better to miss one game than miss the whole season. And when in doubt, the athlete sits out.
For current and up-to-date information on concussions you can go to the CDC Heads Up page.
The form below must be completed by the licensed health care provider upon returning to practice.
