Better to be safe than sorry
The health and safety of our wrestlers is our highest priority. To ensure all members of our club are well-informed, we are providing important information about concussions. This is crucial for the well-being of every athlete and is a requirement of our insurance coverage. We ask that all parents, coaches, and wrestlers take the time to read and understand this information.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can disrupt the normal function of the brain. Concussions can be serious, and it is a myth that an athlete needs to lose consciousness to have one. In fact, most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness. It is vital for everyone involved in our club to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms. Common symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating, and they can appear immediately or even days after the injury.
When in doubt, sit out.
Concussion Protocol: When to Act
If a wrestler is suspected of having a concussion, they must be immediately removed from practice or competition. The phrase to remember is: "When in doubt, sit them out." An athlete should never try to "tough it out" or "play through" a concussion. Continuing to wrestle with a concussion can lead to a more severe injury and potentially a longer recovery period. It is the responsibility of coaches, parents, and teammates to report any suspected head injury immediately. The wrestler should not be allowed to return to any physical activity until they have been evaluated and cleared by a qualified healthcare professional.
Return to Play
Following a suspected concussion, a wrestler should not return to the mat on the same day as the injury. Once a medical professional has evaluated the athlete and confirmed they are symptom-free, a gradual return-to-play protocol must be followed. This process, often with multiple steps, ensures the athlete's brain has fully healed before they are exposed to the physical demands of wrestling again. This careful approach is essential to prevent a condition called Second Impact Syndrome, which can occur when a second concussion is sustained before the first has healed. Multiple episodes occurring within a short time compouds the potential problems. We are committed to following these safety guidelines to protect our athletes and promote a safe wrestling environment for all.