Petaluma Wrestling Club

Concussion Policy and Protocols

Approved by the Board: 12/18/22

PWC Concussion Policy Overview

The Petaluma Wrestling Club (PWC) understands that wrestling is a high contact sport in which all participants can be at risk for concussions. Accordingly, PWC Wrestling Leaders are required to be certified annually in the Center for Disease Control’s HEAD’S UP program. HEADS UP to Youth Sports is a free, online course available to coaches, parents, sports officials, athletic trainers, and others helping to keep athletes safe from concussion.

PWC wrestlers will be monitored by coaches and removed from practices or competitions if they are exhibiting concussion symptoms (See “Concussion Signs and Symptoms”). PWC will work collaboratively with families to ensure that athletes receive appropriate medical screening to determine if a concussion has occurred and appropriate treatment. Wrestlers must be medically cleared in order to return to practices or competitions. Athletes will then follow the CDC’s Six-Step Return to Play progression.

Concussions Defined

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. (CDC)

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

Concussions Signs and Symptoms

Athletes who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more serious brain injury.

• Concussion Signs Observed

• Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
• Appears dazed or stunned.
• Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
• Moves clumsily.
• Answers questions slowly.
• Loses consciousness (even briefly).
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

• Concussion Symptoms Reported

• Headache or “pressure” in head.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
• Bothered by light or noise.
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
• Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
• Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”.

Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes the athlete might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later the athlete  might not be able to remember how he or she got hurt.

You should continue to check for signs of concussion right after the injury and a few days after the injury. If your child or teen’s concussion signs or symptoms get worse, you should take him or her to the emergency department right away.

Remove From Play

If the concussion happens while wrestling, athletes will:

1. Be removed from practice or competition.
2. Athletes will be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a medical provider, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says he or she is symptom-free and cleared to return to play.
3. Parents of athletes suspected of having a concussion will be provided with a CDC Fact Sheet to help educate them on the dangers and promote the seeking of medical attention.
4. When concussed athletes return, PWC will follow the CDC’s Six Step Action Plan.

CDC’s 6-Step Return to Play Progression

It is important for an athlete’s parent(s) and coach(es) to watch for concussion symptoms after each day’s return to play progression activity. An athlete should only move to the next step if they do not have any new symptoms at the current step. If an athlete’s symptoms come back or if he or she gets new symptoms, this is a sign that the athlete is pushing too hard. The athlete should stop these activities and the athlete’s medical provider should be contacted. After more rest and no concussion symptoms, the athlete can start at the previous step.

• Step 1: Back to regular activities (such as school)

• Athlete is back to their regular activities (such as school) and has the green-light from their healthcare provider to begin the return to play process. An athlete’s return to regular activities involves a stepwise process. It starts with a few days of rest (2-3 days) and is followed by light activity (such as short walks) and moderate activity (such as riding a stationary bike) that do not worsen symptoms. You can learn more about the steps to return to regular activities at: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_recovery.html.

• Step 2: Light aerobic activity

• Begin with light aerobic exercise only to increase an athlete’s heart rate. This means about 5 to 10 minutes on an exercise bike, walking, or light jogging. No weight lifting at this point.

• Step 3: Moderate activity

• Continue with activities to increase an athlete’s heart rate with body or head movement. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderate-intensity stationary biking, moderate-intensity weightlifting (less time and/or less weight from their typical routine).

• Step 4: Heavy, non-contact activity

• Add heavy non-contact physical activity, such as sprinting/running, high-intensity stationary biking, regular weightlifting routine, non-contact sport-specific drills (in 3 planes of movement).

• Step 5: Practice & full contact

• Young athlete may return to practice and full contact (if appropriate for the sport) in controlled practice.

• Step 6: Competition

• Young athlete may return to competition.