The SAY National Concussion Policy consists of two very distinct procedures. This policy is required for ALL coaches and officials regardless of their age and/or status (i.e. Head coach, Assistant Coach, Head Referee, Assistant Referee, etc.). These procedures are designed to comply with recently passed legislation concerning concussion in youth sports. It will be necessary to complete a concussion training course every three (3) years.
STEP 1: The first portion of the SAY National Concussion policy is the taking of a FREE online training course. ALL coaches and referees MUST complete this training course prior to participating in the any SAY activity whether it be a practice or a game situation.
STEP 2: The second portion of the SAY National Concussion policy is the Removal-From and Return-to-Play procedure. Any athlete exhibiting signs and symptoms of concussion either during a practice or during a game MUST be immediately removed. This athlete MAY NOT return to play nor participate in any SAY activity on the same day that he or she has been removed (even if a written medical clearance is provided).
In addition, the athlete is not permitted to return to play or participate in any SAY activity until he or she has been assessed and received written clearance by a physician or by another licensed health care provider. A Return-to-Play form must be submitted to the coach prior to allowing the athlete to participate in any activity with the athlete’s team, whether it be a practice or a game situation.