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Concussion Policy

Concussion Policy

*All U.S. Ski & Snowboard members, and parents of members under the age of 18, are required to review and acknowledge the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Concussion Policy.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Concussion Policy for Members

Any U.S. Ski & Snowboard athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion/ traumatic brain injury must be removed immediately from participation in U.S. Ski & Snowboard sporting event (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions or tryouts), by the Technical Delegate or member coach overseeing such sporting event. The athlete will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in U.S. Ski & Snowboard sporting events by a qualified healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries. The healthcare professional must certify in the clearance letter that he/she has successfully completed a continuing education course in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries within three years of the day on which the written statement is made.

Upon removal of an athlete from participation for a suspected concussion/traumatic brain injury, the TD or member coach making the removal must inform Competition Services. Athletes who have subsequently been medically cleared to resume participation must provide such medical clearance (as described above) to Competition Services in order to be permitted to participate in U.S. Ski & Snowboard sporting events.

    About Concussion

    A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.

    Risk of Continued Participation

    A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first - usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks) - can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.

    U.S. Ski & Snowboard recommends that all members review the Center for Disease Control’s resources on concussion awareness.

      Action Plan
      • Remove the athlete from activity – training or competition, when suspected of having sustained a concussion or TBI.
      • Inform the athletes' parents/guardian.
      • Allow the athlete to return to sport when cleared by a qualified medical provider trained in concussion management.
      U.S. Ski & Snowboard Administrative Role
      • U.S. Ski & Snowboard Membership has created an online registration process to inform and capture necessary electronic signatures.
      • Competition Services will receive notifications from coaches/officials/clubs of suspected concussions.
      • Competition Services will place athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion on U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership hold.
      • Competition Services will remove an athlete from medical hold once they receive the Concussion Medical Evaluation form signed by a licensed health care provider who is trained in the evaluation and management of a concussion and who has, within three years before the day on which the written statement is made, successfully completed a continuing education course in the evaluation and management of a concussion.
      Concussion Policy Summary

      In summary and consistent with Utah House Bill 204 U.S. Ski & Snowboard has:

      • Adopted a concussion policy.
      • Informed Parents/Guardians of the policy.
      • Obtained Parent/Guardian’s signature on the policy.
      • Required removal of the minor athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion.
      • Prohibited minors from participating in all U.S. Ski & Snowboard activities until cleared by a qualified medical provider trained in concussion management.
      Resources
      View All
      List of Athletes on Membership Hold
      Member Acceptance of Concussion Policy.
      Submit an electronic incident report online.
      Printable version of the K & K First Report of Accident Form
      Concussion Medical Evaluation Form
      Additional Resources

      For Clubs, Coaches, Officials, and Parents:  Take this free online course and use what you learn to:

      • Understand a concussion and the potential consequences of this injury
      • Recognize concussion signs and symptoms and how to respond
      • Learn about steps for returning to activity (play and school) after a concussion
      • Focus on prevention and preparedness to help keep athletes safe season-to-season

      For Clubs: Think Head First provides a comprehensive program to deliver education, awareness and proper management when an injury occurs. 

      For Parents and Clubs: Another great resource for concussion management at the club level is ImPACT. Check out the services they provide by visiting their website and locate a qualified medical provider trained in concussion management.

      Frequently Asked Questions
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      The policy applies to all U.S. Ski & Snowboard participant members and requires review and signature by all members. While the policy refers to all members and requires that minor athletes be benched in the case of suspected concussion, under the authority of the Head Coach or Technical Delegate, any athlete may be benched in competition or training regardless of age due to a suspected concussion. Only minors are required to be placed on membership hold pending clearance from a licensed health care provider trained in concussion management.