🧠 Heyen Hoops Concussion Awareness Program & Protocol

📋 Objective:

To ensure the safety of all participants by educating players, coaches, and parents on the risks, symptoms, and management of concussions, and to establish a clear protocol for responding to suspected head injuries.

1. 🧠 Education & Awareness

For Coaches:

  • Annual mandatory concussion training (CDC HEADS UP or equivalent).

  • Recognize signs and symptoms of concussions.

  • Understand return-to-play protocol and emergency procedures.

For Players & Parents:

  • Seasonal concussion awareness meeting (pre-season).

  • Distribute educational materials: “Concussion Fact Sheet” from CDC.

  • Signed concussion acknowledgment form required from each player & guardian.

2. 🔍 Recognition of Concussions

Common Signs Observed:

  • Appears dazed or stunned

  • Confused about plays or assignments

  • Forgets instructions

  • Moves clumsily or has balance issues

  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)

  • Behavior or personality changes

Common Symptoms Reported by Athlete:

  • Headache or pressure in head

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Dizziness or balance problems

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Sensitivity to light or noise

  • Feeling sluggish, groggy, or foggy

3. 🚨 Immediate Action Protocol

If a concussion is suspected during a Heyen Hoops event:

  1. REMOVE the athlete from play immediately.

  2. EVALUATE using a standardized tool (e.g., SCAT5 or CDC’s Concussion Checklist).

  3. CONTACT the athlete’s parent/guardian immediately.

  4. REFER to a medical professional for evaluation.

  5. DOCUMENT the incident (date, symptoms, actions taken) in an Incident Report.

    🛑 “When in doubt, sit them out.”

4. 🏥 Return-to-Play (RTP) Protocol

An athlete diagnosed with a concussion must follow this 5-step RTP protocol only under medical guidance:

  1. Rest & Recovery: No physical activity until symptom-free for at least 24-48 hours.

  2. Light Aerobic Activity: Walking or stationary cycling with supervision.

  3. Sport-Specific Activity: Light drills with no head impact.

  4. Non-Contact Practice: More intense training but still no contact.

  5. Full Contact Practice: After medical clearance, return to full practice.

Each step should take at least 24 hours, and if symptoms return, the athlete must return to the previous step.

5. ✅ Documentation & Clearance

  • Medical clearance must be submitted in writing by a licensed healthcare provider.

  • Clearance must be reviewed and kept on file before the athlete can resume play.

6. 🔄 Program Evaluation

  • Annual review of concussion protocol and update based on current guidelines.

  • Gather feedback from coaches, players, and parents to improve awareness and response.

7. 📞 Emergency Contact Info (Example Template)

Name: Brandon Heyen

Role: Owner

Phone Number: 309-612-7857