Concussion Awareness and Responsibilities of the Referee Team

1. Concussion Awareness and Responsibilities of the Referee Team

2. Introduction This presentation is designed to help the referee crew be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion and to assist the crew in arriving at a decision with the AYSO team which is in the best interest of the safety of each player who may exhibit a sign or symptom of concussion.

3. Why Do We Care? • How can you insure player safety if you do not know the signs and symptoms of concussion? • The technical use of “signs” and “symptoms” is not the point. • What physical contact could result in a concussion? • When do the signs and symptoms of concussion show up?

4. What are the Signs & Symptoms of Concussion the Referee Crew may Observe? • Signs include: • Loss of consciousness (even briefly). • Dazed, stunned, confused or forgetful. • Cannot recall events before or after the hit or fall. • Changes in mood, behavior or personality.

5. What are the Signs & Symptoms of Concussion the Referee Crew may Observe? • Symptoms include: • Headache or “pressure” in the head. • Nausea or vomiting. • Balance problems or dizziness. • Sensitivity to light or noise. • Just not “feeling right.”

6. There is additional helpful information at www.cdc.gov/concussion

7. There are 4 Scenarios In Your Materials

8. Scenario #1a The referee observes significant player collision and stops play for a resulting injury. When the referee evaluates the involved player, the referee observes obvious signs or symptoms of concussion. • What does the referee say to the coach(es) or trainer when they arrive to treat the player? • What is the proper decision of the referee regarding continued participation by this player?

9. Scenario #1b The same scenario, the referee observes significant player collision and stops play for a resulting injury. When the referee evaluates the involved player, the referee observes obvious signs or symptoms of concussion. When the referee beckons the coach, the parent of the player also enters. The parent is adamant that their child continue to play. • What does the referee say to the parent? • Who should the referee involve in this conversation?

10. Scenario #2 The referee observes significant player collision and stops play for a resulting injury. When the referee evaluates the involved player, the referee does NOT observe obvious signs or symptoms of concussion but the player is uneasy. The coach decides to substitute the player. • What more should the referee crew do in this situation? • When may this player return to the match?

11. Scenario #3 The player from Scenario #2 returns to play at the next quarter or at some other appropriate point in the match (depending on the age of the players). • When, how and who on the referee crew should observe or interact with the player to continue to assure the player’s safety? • How and when does the referee approach the coach if the referee crew observes signs or symptoms of concussion by the player?

12. Scenario #4 The same Scenario #3, the referee crew later observe obvious signs or symptoms of concussion. However, the coach does not want to substitute the player and will not remove the player from the match. • What are the options of the referee? • What is the authority of the referee?

13. Special Considerations for Youth Referees The AYSO Guidelines suggest that each youth referee have a supporting adult at the match who is the advocate for the referee. Youth referees should be reminded that they may suspend or terminate the match if the adults do not behave or cooperate for the “good of the game.” All volunteers should be advocates for every youth referee.

14. AYSO Reporting Requirements • AYSO recommends that any observation of signs or symptoms of concussion by anyone be included in the referee match report (the back of the game card) • In addition, an incident/injury report should be completed and submitted. • If the match authority (Region/Area/Section) provides one, complete and submit the more complete match incident report.

15. Conclusion Who is responsible for observing signs or symptoms of concussion? Everyone! Are the signs or symptoms of concussion always immediately apparent? No! When a player exhibits signs or symptoms of concussion – they are done for the day!

16. Referees: Our Role in the AYSO Experience

17. Who are the Referees’ “Customers?”

18. Everyone Plays! “Customer service is not a department, it’s an attitude” - Unknown

19. AYSO Ambassadors

20. Great Refereeing = Great Customer Service • The Game Matters! • We Honor the Laws of the Game • Nurturing New Referees

21. Tips and Tools • Use “The Triangle” • Teaching the Game • Embracing: Troublehsooters, “Help Desk.” • The Thank You

22. We’re AYSO Ambassadors!

23. Thank you for all you do!