It’s important that team officials educate themselves about the seriousness of concussions and any other traumatic brain injuries and when the player can safely return to play. Best policy is: “when in doubt sit them out.”

Some signs of concussion are: “pressure in the head”, neck pain, nausea / vomiting, balance problems, blurred vision, seeing stars or spots, not clear-headed, difficulty concentrating or remembering and confusion.

BCSA Return-to-play policy requires players, with their parent(s)/guardian(s) if the player is under the age of 18, diagnosed with a concussion provide written evidence of medical clearance to the team’s coach and also the local club and youth district before returning to activity (e.g. Competition, practice or physical conditioning sessions.) A violation of this policy will be considered an institutional violation and member organizations will be subject to discipline by BC Soccer.

Coaches and athletes may be focused on the score or the play, but having concussion prevention and recognition training is just as essential as winning the game.