Interpretations
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Concussions
The last two (2) years the NFHS has been
clear in its emphasis on concussion
management. The NFHS Rules Power Points
have all highlighted this, and the
SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF
CONCUSSION is included as an appendix in
all rule books. There is a new North
Carolina state law that mandates how
athletes are to be treated by
appropriate athletic training and
licensed medical personnel. I am giving
you this information as a re-emphasis on
the seriousness regarding concussions
and our responsibilities as officials.
Coaches are also being reminded
regarding the guidelines of
return-to-play procedures they must
follow before allowing the athlete to
return to the contest.
As an official, if you observe or sense
an athlete may be compromised, you are
to guide/indicate (to) the athlete and
the head coach to remove the athlete
from the contest for them to “take a
look” at the athlete. At that time, your
responsibility for the athlete is
complete. You are not a trained medical
person who is responsible for diagnosing
concussions. But, we do want you to be
aware of the symptoms which may indicate
an athlete has sustained a concussion
(defined as a traumatic brain injury
that interferes with normal brain
function). The symptoms as listed by the
NFHS Rules are as follows:
Headache
Fogginess
Difficultly concentrating
Easily confused
Slowed thought process
Difficulty with memory
Nausea
Lack of energy, tiredness
Dizziness, poor balance
Blurred vision
Sensitive to light and sounds
Mood changes—irritable, anxious, or
tearful
Appears dazed or stunned
Confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Unsure of game, score or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness
Shows behavior or personality changes
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