CONCUSSION AWARENESS: PROTECTING EVERY ARMADA PLAYER

Player safety is a priority at Armada Futbol Club. Concussion awareness is part of Armada’s Risk Management Program, helping players, parents, coaches, and team staff understand how to recognize possible concussion symptoms and respond appropriately.

A concussion should always be taken seriously. Symptoms may appear immediately after contact, or they may become noticeable later. When there is concern, protecting the player must come before returning to practice or competition.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.

The impact can cause the head and brain to move rapidly, affecting normal brain function. Even an impact that appears minor can result in a concussion.

Most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness, so players, parents, and coaches should know the other signs and symptoms that may indicate an injury.

IMPORTANT FACTS

Players and families should remember:

• A concussion can happen without losing consciousness

• Previous concussions can increase the risk of another concussion

• Children and teenagers may take longer to recover than adults

• Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours or days later

• Every concussion and recovery process can be different

A player should never hide symptoms simply because they want to continue playing.

SIGNS COACHES MAY OBSERVE

After a bump, blow, fall, or collision, coaches and team staff should watch for changes such as:

• Appearing dazed or stunned

• Confusion about position or instructions

• Forgetting an assignment

• Being unsure of the score, game, or opponent

• Moving unusually or appearing uncoordinated

• Answering questions slowly

• Changes in mood, behavior, or personality

• Difficulty remembering events before or after the incident

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly

Any concerning change should be taken seriously.

SYMPTOMS A PLAYER MAY REPORT

A player may experience:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Double or blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Sensitivity to noise

• Feeling sluggish, foggy, hazy, or groggy

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory problems

• Confusion

• Simply not feeling right

Players should tell a parent, coach, or medical professional when they experience possible concussion symptoms.

CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention.

After a significant impact to the head or body, urgent medical evaluation may be needed if a player:

• Has one pupil larger than the other

• Becomes very drowsy or cannot be awakened

• Develops a headache that continues or becomes worse

• Experiences weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination

• Has repeated vomiting

• Has slurred speech

• Experiences a seizure

• Cannot recognize people or places

• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated

• Shows unusual behavior

• Loses consciousness

When a serious medical emergency is suspected, emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately.

WHY PLAYERS MUST REPORT SYMPTOMS

The brain needs time to recover after a concussion.

Returning too soon can increase the risk of another injury and may make recovery take longer. Repeat concussions can lead to more serious complications.

Players should understand that reporting symptoms is not letting their team down. Speaking up protects their health and gives them the opportunity to recover properly.

WHAT TO DO IF A CONCUSSION IS SUSPECTED

If a concussion is suspected:

1. REMOVE THE PLAYER FROM PLAY

   The player should stop participating in the practice, game, or competition.

2. DO NOT JUDGE THE SEVERITY YOURSELF

   Concussion symptoms can vary. The player should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.

3. NO SAME-DAY RETURN

   A player with possible concussion symptoms should remain out of play for the rest of that day.

4. FOLLOW MEDICAL GUIDANCE

   Return to activity should happen only after the player is symptom-free and has received the appropriate medical clearance.

RECOVERY

Rest is an important part of concussion recovery.

Activities requiring significant physical effort or concentration may cause symptoms to return or become worse. This can include strenuous exercise, schoolwork, extended computer use, or other demanding activities.

Returning to normal school activities and soccer should be gradual and should follow professional medical guidance.

Every player recovers differently. Some players improve quickly, while others may experience symptoms for a longer period.

RETURN TO PLAY

A player should not return to training or competition simply because they feel slightly better.

Armada’s concussion information requires appropriate healthcare-provider clearance before returning to play following a concussion.

The return should be gradual and carefully monitored.

Player safety always takes priority over practices, games, tournaments, and results.

ARMADA’S CONCUSSION EDUCATION

Concussion awareness is part of Armada Futbol Club’s broader Risk Management Plan.

Armada provides concussion, abuse-prevention, and cardiac-awareness information to families and requires risk-management education as part of the club environment.

Coaches and team staff also receive separate safety education so the adults responsible for players understand how to recognize concerns and respond appropriately.

PLAYER & PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Players and parents should:

• Learn the signs and symptoms of concussion

• Report possible symptoms immediately

• Never hide an injury to remain in a game

• Follow medical advice during recovery

• Complete required concussion acknowledgement forms

• Avoid returning to play before receiving appropriate clearance

Families should also make coaches aware of relevant injuries or medical concerns.

COACH & TEAM STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Coaches and team staff should:

• Recognize common concussion signs

• Listen when a player reports symptoms

• Remove a player when concussion is suspected

• Never pressure a player to continue

• Follow Armada and Tennessee State Soccer requirements

• Require appropriate clearance before return to play

REQUIRED CONCUSSION FORMS

ATHLETE / PARENT / GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Players and their parent or legal guardian should review the concussion information and complete the required acknowledgement before participation.

VIEW CONCUSSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT →

COACH / ADMINISTRATOR CONCUSSION FORM

Coaches and administrators should review the required concussion education and complete the appropriate acknowledgement.

VIEW COACH CONCUSSION FORM →

RETURN-TO-PLAY FORM

When required, the Tennessee Concussion Return-to-Play form documents the healthcare provider’s approval and recommendations before an athlete resumes participation.

VIEW RETURN-TO-PLAY FORM →

WHEN IN DOUBT, KEEP THE PLAYER OUT

A player’s health is more important than a practice, game, tournament, or championship.

If concussion symptoms are suspected, remove the player from activity, communicate with the family, and seek appropriate medical evaluation.

PLAYER SAFETY COMES FIRST.