Concussion Code of Conduct

For ATHLETES & PARENTS/GUARDIANS (for athletes under 18 years of age) 

I will help prevent concussions by:  

• Wearing the proper equipment for my sport and wearing it correctly.  

• Developing my skills and strength so that I can participate to the best of my ability. 

• Respecting the rules of my sport or activity.  

• My commitment to fair play and respect for all (respecting other athletes, coaches, team trainers and officials) 

I will care for my health and safety by taking concussions seriously, and I understand that:  

• A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.  

• A blow to my head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes the brain to move around  inside the skull may cause a concussion.  

• I don’t need to lose consciousness to have had a concussion. 

• I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self-reporting of  possible concussion and reporting to a designated person when and individual suspects that another individual may have sustained a concussion. (Meaning: If I think I might have a  concussion I should stop participating in further training, practice or competition immediately, or tell  an adult if I think another athlete has a concussion.) 

• Continuing to participate in further training, practice or competition with a possible concussion  increases my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other  injuries.  

I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others. 

• I will not hide my symptoms. I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust  if I experience any symptoms of concussion.  

• If someone else tells me about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a  concussion, I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust so they can help. 

• I understand that if I have a suspected concussion, I will be removed from sport and that I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to training, practice or competition.  

• I have a commitment to sharing any pertinent information regarding incidents of removal from  sport with the athlete’s school and any other sport organization with which the athlete has  registered. (Meaning: If I am diagnosed with a concussion, I understand that letting all of my other coaches and teachers know about my injury will help them support me while I recover.)

I will take the time I need to recover, because it is important for my health.  

• I understand my commitment to supporting the return-to-sport process. (I will have to follow my sport organization’s Return-to-Sport Protocol.) 

• I understand I will have to be medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to training, practice or competition. 

• I will respect my coaches, parents, health-care professionals, and medical doctors and nurse practitioners, regarding my health and safety.