Effective 2024
The concussion policy of the Sarnia Girls’ Soccer Club is based on the Ontario Soccer Protocol. The Policy is based on current evidence and examples of best practice taken from soccer organizations around the world and other sports, including the Football Association, the Scottish FA, World Rugby, and the Canadian Concussion Collaborative.
the They are consistent with he Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport, (Toronto: Parachute, 2017) and the current Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport issued by the Fifth International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Berlin 2017. The Policy has been reviewed and is approved by the Canada Soccer Sports Medicine Committee.
What to do in the event of a suspected concussion
If you (a coach, parent/guardian, ref, or spectator) are concerned that the player is concussed, please follow these REQUIRED steps per SGSC & Ontario Soccer Guidelines.
#1) The affected player should be removed from the game or practice immediately.
#2) If there is an immediate concern for the player’s safety, ie., they are experiencing severe concussion symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or convulsions, call 9-1-1.
If the player is experiencing other serious concussions symptoms, such as vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech, uneven pupils, or numbness, but is otherwise stable and able to walk and get into a vehicle with some assistance, the player should be transported by a guardian, trusted friend, or designated member of the Club, directly to the nearest emergency department/urgent care centre.
#3) The affected player cannot return to play without first being formally cleared by a physician or qualified specialist.
#4) In some cases, the player will be advised to cease all exercise and strenuous activities for 2-14 days. In moderately severe cases, the player may be advised to abstain from physical activity, including soccer, for 2-4 weeks depending on the symptoms and severity.
#5) If symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks, the player should seek additional evaluation by a physician, as they may be experiencing post-concussion syndrome, for which the doctor can recommend treatment and prognosis.
Local Specialists/Clinics
