Orillia Lightning Soccer Concussion Code of Conduct

All participants must review and acknowledge this policy upon registration.

I will help prevent concussions by respecting myself and other participants by:

• Wearing the proper equipment for my sport and wearing it correctly.
• Developing my skills and body strength so that I can participate and play the game to the best of my ability.
• Respecting the rules of the game and enforcement of those rules by game officials.
• Respecting other athletes by not fighting or attempting to injure anyone on purpose.
• Respecting coaches, team trainers/therapists, medical professionals and any decisions made with regards to my health and safety.
• My commitment to fair play and respect for all

I will care for my health and safety by taking concussions seriously, and I understand that:

• A concussion is a serious brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.
• A blow to my head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull may cause a concussion.
• I don’t need to lose consciousness to have received a concussion.
• I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self-reporting of possible concussion and reporting to a designated person when I suspect another person may have sustained a concussion. If I think I might have a concussion I should stop participating in further training, practice or competition immediately and report it to a coach, official, team trainer or other adult so they can help.
• Continuing to participate in further training, practice or competition with a possible concussion increases my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other injuries.

 

I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others.

•  I understand that I should stop play immediately, if I suspect I might have a concussion.
• I will not hide my symptoms. I will tell a coach, official, team trainer/therapist, or other adult if I experience any symptoms of concussion.
• If someone else tells me about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a concussion, I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, or other adult so they can help.
• I understand that if I have a suspected concussion, I will be removed from sport and that I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to training, practice or competition.
• I understand that the Return-to-Sport strategy is a 6-Stage process that may take different amounts of time for each individual, and that I may not return to play until I have received final medical clearance and completed Stage 6 of the process.

I have a commitment to share any pertinent information regarding incidents of removal from any sport with the Orillia Lightning Soccer Club and any other sport organization with which I am a registered athlete/player/participant. (Meaning: If I am diagnosed with a concussion, I understand that letting all of my other sports coaches know about my injury will help them support me while I recover)

I will take the time I need to recover, because it is important for my health.

• I understand my commitment to supporting and engaging in the return-to-sport process (I will have to follow my sport organization’s Return-to-Sport Protocol).
• I understand I will have to be medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner, preferably one with experience in concussion management, before returning to training, practice or competition.
• I will respect my coaches, team trainers, parents, health-care professionals, and medical doctors and nurse practitioners, regarding my health and safety.If I have further questions, I will contact an Executive Member of the Orillia Lightning Soccer Club.