CONCUSSION AWARENESS AND SAFETY RECOGNITION POLICY

Objective
It is Special Olympics’ intent to take steps to help ensure the health and safety of all Special Olympics participants. All Special Olympics participants should remember that safety comes first and should take reasonable steps to help minimize the risks for concussion or other serious brain injuries.

Defining a Concussion
A concussion is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head as well as serial, cumulative hits to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth—causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull. Although concussions are usually not life-threatening, their effects can be serious and therefore proper attention must be paid to individuals suspected of sustaining a concussion.

Suspected or Confirmed Concussion
Effective January 1, 2015, a participant who is suspected of sustaining a concussion in a practice, game or competition shall be removed from practice, play or competition at that time. If a qualified medical professional is available on-site to render an evaluation, that person shall have final authority as to whether or not a concussion is suspected. If applicable, the participant’s parent or guardian should be made aware that the participant is suspected of sustaining a concussion. When in doubt, sit them out”.

Return to Play
A participant who has been removed from practice, play or competition due to a suspected concussion may not participate in Special Olympics sports activities until either of the following occurs:

1) At least seven (7) consecutive days have passed since the participant was removed from play and a
currently licensed, qualified medical professional provides written clearance for the participant to return to
practice, play and competition.

2) A currently licensed, qualified medical professional determines that the participant did not suffer a
concussion and provides written clearance for the participant to return to practice play immediately.

3) Written clearance in either of the scenarios above shall become a permanent record.
a. This includes Unified Partners
b. The athlete cannot return to practice without written clearance. This carries over into new sports.
Once the athlete and/or Partner is pulled from practice, they cannot return without clearance
even if they stay out for an entire year.

Required Training and Timeline
All Coaches are required to complete the following concussion awareness training courses:

The Concussion Awareness Training Course can now be accessed through the Special Olympics Learning Portal. This is the same learning portal you will find the Protective Behaviors Training, you will use the same login to access this, you can find the Concussion training in the catalogue section.

Find the Instructions on how to set up/sign into your account on the Learning Portal Here

Find the Special Olympics Learning Portal Here

Your certificate of completion will automatically be sent to the SONM office.

Frequency of Training
Concussion awareness training must be completed by all Coaches at least once every three years and is recommended for all Unified Partners.