BMXA Concussion Policy

Owned by Darren Alomes
15 Aug, 2017
5 min read






BMX AUSTRALIA
CONCUSSION POLICY

Date adopted by the Board: 21 April 2017
Date Effective: 21 April 2017
Date Amended: 25 May 2017

BACKGROUND


This document sets out the guiding principles and provides general advice regarding the management of concussion in the sport of BMX in Australia.
These guidelines have been developed to outline the issues for athletes, coaches, team managers and others responding to athletes who have received a head injury. The guidelines are general in nature and not intended to replace medical assessment and treatment. Individual treatment will depend on the facts and circumstances specific to each individual case.

DEFINITION


Concussion refers to a disturbance in brain function that results from trauma to the brain. Concussion may be caused by a blow to the head, face or neck or by impact that transmits force to the head

RECOVERY


The majority (80-90%) of concussions resolve in a short (7-10 day) period, although the recovery frame may be longer in children and adolescents. The AIS and AMA recommend a minimum 14 day symptom -free period for children and adolescents.

SIGNS OF CONCUSSION


Immediate visual indicators of concussion include:

    1. Loss of consciousness or responsiveness;
    2. Lying motionless on the ground/slow to get up;
    3. A dazed, blank or vacant expression;
    4. Appearing unsteady on feet, balance problems or falling over;
    5. Grabbing or clutching of the head
    6. Impact seizure or convulsion


Concussion can include one or more of the following symptoms:

  1. Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, "feeling in a fog".
  2. Behavioural changes: Inappropriate emotions, irritability, feeling nervous or anxious.
  3. Cognitive impairment: Slowed reaction times, confusion/disorientation- not aware of location or score, poor attention and concentration, loss of memory for events up to and/or after the concussion.


Tools such as the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool (see Appendix 1) can be used to help recognise concussion. It is important to note however that brief sideline evaluation tools are designed to recognise a concussion but they cannot replace a comprehensive medical assessment.

REMOVE FROM PLAY

Any rider with a suspected concussion in the opinion of the designated senior first aid person at the event / club will be immediately removed from play / riding, and will not be permitted to returned to activity until they are assessed by a qualified medical practitioner and provide a medical certificate outlining a clearance to return to competition / riding.
If a Rider is also a BMXA accredited Coach or Official, the suspension will also apply to coaching and official's duties.
Riders with a suspected concussion should not be left alone and should not drive a motor vehicle.
Only qualified medical practitioners should diagnose whether a concussion has occurred, or provide advice as to whether the Rider can return to play.
If in the event there is no qualified medical practitioner on site / attending the event, then the opinion of the designated Senior First Aid Attendant will provide this advice to the officials / Chief Commissare who will provide the direction to the rider.
There will be no return to play / riding on the day of a concussive injury.
It is important not to be influenced by the rider, coaching staff, trainers, parents or any others suggesting a return to ride. All riders with concussion or a suspected concussion need a medical assessment by a registered medical practitioner. The rider should be sent to a local general practice or local hospital emergency department.
Urgent transfer to hospital is required if the rider displays any of the following symptoms:
• Loss of consciousness or seizures
• Confusion
• Deterioration following their injury (eg vomiting, increased headaches or
drowsiness)
• Neck pain or spinal cord symptoms (eg numbness, tingling or weakness)
If there is any doubt on the rider's condition they should be referred to hospital.

RETURN


A suspected/confirmed concussed rider should obtain a medical clearance from a qualified medical practitioner before returning to racing, coaching or officiating.
It is the rider's/parent's responsibility to ensure that the rider is medically cleared before returning to racing, training or any other BMXrelated activities.
Such medical clearance should be provided to BMXA by electronic means (see Appendix 2).
Riders should be returned to sport in a graduated manner that should be supervised by their medical
practitioner.
For example:
• Rest until all symptoms resolve
• Light aerobic activity 24 hours after symptoms resolve
• Light non-contact training (eg wind trainer)
• Non-contact training drills
• Full contact training
• Return to ride or race
It is important to note there should be approximately 24 hours between stages.
If a rider becomes symptomatic at any stage they should drop back to the previous symptom free level and try to progress again after 24 hours.
If a rider continues to be symptomatic for more than 10 days they should be reviewed again by a medical practitioner.




Appendix 1
Appendix 2
HOW TO RETURN TO RIDING

  1. A Rider concussion will be reported to BMXA by the Club or Event Officials.
  2. BMXA will record the concussion on the Rider's Member profile and the Rider will be medically suspended from Club activities, coaching and officiating duties and Events.
  3. Upon receiving a Medical Clearance, the Clearance should be emailed to BMXA on membership@bmxaustralia.com.au.
  4. Upon receipt the Rider will be removed from the BMXA Suspended Members – Medical List.
  5. The Rider will be permitted to return to Club activities, coaching and officiating duties and enter Events.




PLEASE NOTE: If a Rider participates in Club activities, coaches, officiates or enters Events while medically suspended for concussion, they can be subject to disciplinary action and their membership suspended or cancelled.