**CONCUSSION PROTOCOLS for INSURE GYMNASTICS MEMBER GYMS**
**1. Recognition:**
- Educate coaches, staff, and participants on signs and symptoms of concussions.
- Immediately remove individuals from activity if a concussion is suspected.
- **Signs of a Concussion:**
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in behavior
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Guide the injured person to a quiet and shaded area.
- Encourage them to sit or lie down, avoiding strenuous activities.
- Do not provide medication unless directed by medical professionals.
- **Tools:**
- Share video examples of simulated concussion scenarios.
- Reference online courses like CDC's "Heads Up to Youth Sports" [CDC - Heads Up to Youth Sports](https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html).
**2. Assessment:**
- Designate trained personnel for rapid assessment using a concussion evaluation tool.
- If concussion suspected, prohibit return to activities on the same day.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Do not directly assess the injury; call designated personnel.
- Provide emotional support and reassurance.
- Avoid giving food or drinks until cleared by medical professionals.
- **Tools:**
- Reference the SCAT5 tool for evaluation [SCAT5 - Sport Concussion Assessment Tool](https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/851).
- **More Detailed Information:**
- Include step-by-step guide with visuals from Concussion Legacy Foundation [Concussion Legacy Foundation - Concussion Recognition & Response](https://www.concussionfoundation.org/symptoms).
**3. Medical Evaluation:**
- Encourage evaluation by healthcare professionals experienced in concussion management.
- Obtain medical clearance before resuming gymnastics activities.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Provide incident details to healthcare professionals.
- Assist in arranging transportation if needed.
- Communicate observed symptoms and assessments.
- **Tools:**
- Encourage use of ImPACT testing tools [ImPACT Testing](https://impacttest.com/).
- **More Detailed Information:**
- Reference American Academy of Neurology guidelines [American Academy of Neurology - Sports Concussion](https://www.aan.com/concussion/).
**4. Communication:**
- Promptly notify parents if participant is suspected of concussion.
- Maintain open communication with healthcare professionals.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Contact parents immediately with accurate information.
- Share relevant details with healthcare professionals.
- Communicate any requested information to medical authorities.
- **Tools:**
- Develop notification form with input from medical professionals [NFHS - Concussion Report Form](https://www.nfhs.org/media/1017470/concussion-report-form.pdf).
- **More Detailed Information:**
- Include CDC's educational resources on concussion communication [CDC - Communication Plan](https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/providers/basics/communication/index.html).
**5. Return-to-Play Protocol:**
- Gradual return under healthcare professional guidance.
- Ensure symptom-free before advancing activity level.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Follow healthcare professionals' guidance.
- Monitor for discomfort or symptom recurrence.
- Encourage open communication.
- **Tools:**
- Develop visual checklist for return-to-play guidelines.
- **More Detailed Information:**
- Reference evidence-based guidelines from Sports Medicine Research Center [Sports Medicine Research Center - Return to Play After Concussion](https://www.sportsmedres.org/return-to-play/).
**6. Support and Education:**
- Provide support and education to participants, parents, and coaching staff.
- Emphasize prompt symptom reporting.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Offer emotional support.
- Provide educational materials on concussion recovery.
- Emphasize symptom reporting.
- **Tools:**
- Create brochures using reputable sources like AAP [AAP - Concussion in Children and Adolescents](https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/3/597).
- **More Detailed Information:**
- Include athlete testimonials on recovery importance.
**7. Equipment and Environment:**
- Regularly inspect and maintain equipment.
- Minimize concussion risks in environment.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Regularly check equipment for safety.
- Advocate for well-padded surfaces.
- **Tools:** None specified.
**8. Documentation:**
- Maintain thorough, confidential records.
- Use incident reports for trend analysis.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Implement electronic incident reporting system.
- Specify data to be recorded.
- Ensure secure storage.
- **Tools:**
- Implement electronic incident reporting system [Riddell Smarter Football - Incident Reporting](https://smarterfootball.riddell.com/incident-reporting).
- **More Detailed Information:**
- Specify data to be recorded.
**9. Return-to-Learn:**
- Collaborate with academic institutions.
- Implement academic adjustments.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Collaborate with schools.
- Detail academic adjustment process.
- Monitor academic progress.
- **Tools:** None specified.
**10. Education Campaign:**
- Conduct regular educational sessions.
- Promote awareness and responsibility.
- **Actions for Coaches/Teachers:**
- Develop engaging presentations.
- Encourage participation.
- Foster awareness and responsibility.
- **Tools:** None specified.
Feel free to customize based on gym's needs and state or local regulations.