Player Welfare

Concussion

Fremont YSC Concussion Program

Concussion in sports has become highlighted significantly over recent years, with many ex professionals of multiple sports suffering from brain injuries sustained from participation in sports.

This is a serious issue, and an issue addressed at the youth level to ensure longevity of health for all players.

Concussion Protocol

HeadsUp Concussion Protocol

  • Coaches will notify the parent of any player which was removed from practice due to a head injury and suspected concussion. The club will provide a Concussion Report for the parent to sign. The Club will keep on record all incidences reported.
  • Any player suspected of sustaining a concussion, or head injury is to be immediately removed from the athletic activity. In order to return to practice or be available for a game the player must gain written clearance from a licensed health care professional that they are fit to play.
  • If a concussion has been sustained the player must not return to practice until a minimum of 7 days, and with further guidance and clearance from the health care professional.
  • Complete concussion protocol at the following link – Concussion Report Form
  • Complete injury report at the following link – Fremont YSC Injury Report

Coaches, Players, and Parents

All parties will be required to have on file a signed Concussion Fact Sheet.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

  • Number for Central Park AED – 341-465-9495
  • Number for Irvington Community Park AED – 510-494-4334

Sudden Cardiac Arrest training can be completed at the following link – https://nfhslearn.com/courses/sudden-cardiac-arrest

If a player collapses unexpectedly, and is not responsive, assume that they are in sudden cardiac arrest. This MUST BE your response.

  1. Call 911
  2. Send for an AED
  3. Start Chest Compression’s
    •  CPR uses compression’s to keep the blood circulating through the body until emergency help arrives. You should begin chest compression’s immediately.
    • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is the act of pushing on a chest when the heart is not beating (or pumping). When the heart works properly, it circulates blood and oxygen throughout the body. When you’re in cardiac arrest, it is not and our hands need to be the pump. Place your hands in the center of the chest, clasp them together, straighten your arms, lock your elbows, and push hard and fast, using your upper body.
    • CPR Jukebox – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60swBizKXP7JI42VbxV0mh

Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one cause of death in the United States. It takes the lives of almost 400,000 men and women. That is more than breast cancer, lung cancer, stroke and AIDS combined. But Sudden Cardiac Arrest is not just an adult thing. It is the #1 cause of death of student athletes. It takes the lives of thousands of students every single year.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is what happens when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. Out of nowhere, the heart just stops pumping blood.

This is caused by one of two problems: There may be an electrical problem. For instance, there is an extra electrical pathway, and the rhythm gets interrupted. There may be a structural problem: The heart may be too big, or the chambers and valves are in the wrong place. As a result, the heart cannot function properly. Fortunately, most of these conditions can be treated. Some students will take medication. Some may have to quit sports. For the more severe conditions, a student may need a medical procedure, medical device, or surgery.

These are warning signs of conditions can lead to sudden cardiac arrest:

1: Fainting or Seizures During Exercise – Fainting during exercise is the #1 warning sign of sudden cardiac arrest. Do not assume that the player is passing out from the heat, exhaustion, or dehydration. Additionally, if a player collapses and begins to shake, do not assume it is a seizure. Sudden cardiac arrest can cause victims to shake too. If there is no evidence of head trauma, you should assume that the player is in sudden cardiac arrest.

2: Unexplained Shortness of Breath – If players are working hard, then certainly they will be out of breath, temporarily. If they are in good shape, they will recover quickly. However, if a player cannot catch their breath, or always seems winded, this could be a sign.

3: Racing Heart – During practice or a game, a players heart is going to beat fast. However, the heart should slow down in due time. If a players heart is racing, it feels like it is beating out of their chest, or it is really fast at the wrong time, like when they are sitting on the bench.

4: Dizziness – A player who is repeatedly dizzy may be experiencing a warning sign of sudden cardiac arrest.

5: Chest Pains – A player who complains about chest pains should be examined. Chest pains are not the same thing as cramps.

6: Extreme Fatigue – Players will be tired after a practice or game. However, this player is always tired, or consistently more tired than her teammates.

These are the six warning signs to remember. Please watch out for them during practice and games.

Be aware of:

  1. The two types of conditions that cause sudden cardiac arrest;
  2. The six warning signs of conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest;
  3. The game plan if your student collapses.