Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Does the player show any of these signs?

Appears to be dazed or stunned Is confused Forgets team moves Is unsure of game, score or opponent Moves clumsily Answers questions slowly Loses consciousness ( even temporarily) Shows behaviour or personality change Forgets events prior to impact Forgets events after impact If yes, ask these questions

If concussion is suspected

Orientation

Ask the player the following questions: Which half is it? Which team are we playing today? Which team did we play last week? Who are you marking? Did we win last week?

Anterograde amnesia ( forgets events after impact or collision) Choose three of the following words, ask the player to repeat these now and to remember them for later. Girl, dog, green, blue, house, cat, fish, boy, tree, chair, red. Which ground are we at?

Retrograde amnesia

( forgets events prior to impact or collision) Ask the player the following questions: Which side scored most recently? What do you remember just prior to the impact or collision? Do you remember the impact or collision?

Concentration

Ask the player to do the following: Repeat the days of the week backward ( starting with today). Repeat these numbers backward: 6– 3 ( 3– 6 is correct) 4– 1– 9 ( 9– 1– 4 is correct)

Word list memory

Ask the player to repeat the three words you chose earlier.

Are any of these symptoms reported by the player?

H eadache, nausea Balance problems or dizziness Double or fuzzy vision Pupils appear different in size Sensitivity to light or noise Feeling sluggish, groggy or dizzy Ringing in the ears Concentration or memory problems If a player reports any of these symptoms THEY SHOULD NOT return to play.