Belton Tiger
Youth Football League
Bylaws/Articles
6 March 2012
Article I-NAME
This organization shall be known as the Belton Tiger Youth Football League, Inc. hereinafter referred to as BTYFL.
Section 1
The objective of BTYFL is to familiarize young participants with the fundamentals of football and leading. To provide them with the opportunity to play in an organized and supervised environment and to teach them that academics and athletics should be joint, communal efforts. Our focus is on having fun and teaching responsibilities, dedication, fitness, discipline and teamwork.
Section 2
To achieve this, BTYFL will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations incorporated herein and referenced in any addendum to this document. All Directors, Officers, and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and molding of future citizens is of prime importance. In accordance with Section 501C (3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, BTYFL shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization (EIN ____) providing a supervised program of competitive athletic activities. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual: no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and which does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Article II-BOUNDARIES
The boundaries of BTYFL are designated as those of the Belton Independent School District (BISD). This also applies to Home School individuals.
Article III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Eligibility. Any person sincerely interested in active participation to achieve the objective of BTYFL may apply to become a member.
Section 2
Classes. There shall be the following, classes of Members:
a) Participant Member. Any participant candidate meeting the requirements of, and who resides within the authorized boundaries of BTYFL shall be eligible to participate as a player, but is not entitled to vote and shall not have rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of BTYFL.
b) Regular Member. Any person actively interested in furthering the objectives of BTYFL shall become a Regular Member upon election by the Board of Directors or upon registration as the parent(s) or legal guardians(s) of a child that meets the requirements of Article III [2a]. Parents or legal guardians of a Participant Member of BTYFL at any membership meeting. The Secretary shall at all times, maintain a current membership roll. Only Regular Members appearing on the current membership roll are eligible to vote at membership meetings. All Officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Coaches and other elected or appointed officers must be Regular Members appearing on the current membership roll.
c) Honorary Member. Any person may be elected as an Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of all Directors present at any duly held meeting of the Board of Directors, become a Sustaining Member, but is not entitled to vote and shall have no rights, duties, or obligations in the managements or in the property of BTYFL.
d) Sustaining Members. Any person not a Regular Member who makes financial or other contribution to BTYFL may, by majority vote of the Board of Directors, become a Sustaining Member, but is not entitled to vote and shall have no rights, duties, or obligations in the managements or in the property of BTYFL.
e) The term “Member” shall mean a Regular Member unless otherwise stated.
Section 3
Suspension or Termination. Membership may be terminated by resignation or action by the Board of Directors.
a) The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend or terminate the membership of any Member at any time.
b) All coaches shall lose tenure immediately as of ;
(1) The end of the BTYFL football season (hereinafter “Season”), including playoffs and championships, or
(2) December 31 of each year, whichever date is earlier.
c) The Board of Director shall in case of discipline of a Participant Member, give notice to the head coach of the team on which the Participant Member is listed on the team roster. Said head coach shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the Participant Member before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors, which shall have the full power to suspend or revoke such participant’s right to future participation in BTYFL activities.
Article IV – REGISTRATION FEES AND DUES
Section 1
Membership. Registration fee and/or dues for Participant Members may be fixed at such amounts as the Board of Directors shall determine prior to the beginning of any membership period. A membership period shall run from the date of registration and payment and shall terminate on the date of the last registration for the next Season. In no case shall a membership for the preceding Season run past the first day of the next Season.
Section 2
Nonpayment. Members who fail to register and pay registration fees, as of the close of the last registration for the next Season, will be automatically removed from the current membership roll and shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership.
Section 3
Amount. Prior to the first registration for the next Season, registration fee and or dues shall be set by the
Board of Directors. No one shall participate in a program of BTYFL without payment, in full, of such registration fee and/or dues, unless such registration fee and/or dues are waived by the Board of Directors.
Article V- MEETINGS
Section 1
Annual Meeting. An Annual Meeting of the Members shall be held after the end of the Season and before the purpose of electing a Board of Directors, receiving reports and for the transaction of such business as my properly come before the meeting. Notice of the Annual Meeting of the Members shall be mailed to each Member at their last recorded address or otherwise delivered to each Member at least ten (10) days in advance thereof, setting forth the place, day, and time of the Annual Meeting.
Section 2
Special Meetings. A Special Meeting of the Member may be called by the Board of Directors or by the Secretary or President at their discretion. Upon written request of ten (10) Member, the President shall call a Special Meeting to consider a specific subject. No business other than the specific subject set forth in a notice of the Special Meeting shall be transacted at any Special Meeting of the Members.
Section 3
Notice of Special Meeting. Notice of each Special Meeting of the Members shall be mailed to each Member at their last recorded address or otherwise delivered to each Member at least ten (10) days in advance thereof, setting forth the place, time and specific subject of the Special Meeting; or, in lieu thereof, notice may be given in such form as may be authorized by the Members, from time to time, at a regularly convened meeting.
Section 4
Quorum. The presence in person or represented by absentee ballot of twenty-five percent (25%) of the Members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for an Annual Meeting or any Special Meeting of the Members. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, a majority vote of those present at an Annual Meeting or any Special Meeting of the Members shall be required to adopt or approve any action appropriate for consideration at such meeting.
Section 5
Voting. Only Regular Members shall be entitled to vote at any Member meeting.
Section 6
Absentee Ballot. For the express purpose of accommodating a Member entitled to vote who may not be able to attend the Annual Meeting or any Special Meeting, an absentee ballot may be provided to each Member by the Secretary of BTFYL. The absentee ballot shall be properly completed signed and returned in a sealed envelope to the Secretary in accordance with the instruction set forth on the ballot. In no event will any absentee ballot be considered if it is not received by the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting. On the date of the Annual or Special Meeting, the Secretary shall present all absentee ballots to the President and/or election Chairman prior to the vote.
Section 7
Rules of Order. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where same conflict with the bylaws of BTYFL.
Article VI-COACHES, DRAFT PROCEDURES and PRACTICES
Section 1
Appointment. Prior to the start of each season the Board of Directors (or designated sub-team) shall appoint a head coach for each football team. The appointed head coach shall timely submit a list of three assistant coaches for review and approval by the Board. The limit for coaches for each team is four. All Coaches are required to fill out a BTYFL Criminal History Record Information Addendum; the head coach will be responsible for delivering the BTYFL Criminal History Record Information Addendum for himself and all his coaches to the Board. All BTYFL Criminal History Record Information Addendum checks must be completed before practices begin.
Section 2
Removal.
(a) The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at a duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend, or remove any BTYFL coach at any time.
(b) Notwithstanding the discretionary authority of the Board of Directors set forth in (a) above, the Board shall immediately remove any existing BTYFL coach from his or her coaching position who is found to have:
(I) Committed violent acts against any coach, referee, parent, player or any other person involved in a BTYFL organization or event; or
(II) Verbally or physically threatened any other coach, referee, parent, player or any other person involved in a BTYFL organization or event.
(III) Background check discovers a violation of BTYFL criteria to coach.
Section 3
Draft/Regulations/ Procedures. BTYFL Coaches shall comply with the drafting rules, regulations, and procedures set forth by BTYFL. MERCY RULE: See Coaches CODE of CONDUCT “PLAYERS AHEAD OF PERSONAL DESIRE TO WIN”.
Section 4
Practices. Team Practices will begin no sooner that one month before the established 1st Game of the season. Teams will be allowed to practice three times a week in the month before the start of the season. Once the Season starts teams are only authorized to practice two times a week. All practices will be limited to 1 ½ hours. Head coaches will submit their request for time slots to the board at which time practice fields will be assigned.
Article VII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
Board and Number. The management of the property and affairs of BTYFL shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall not be less than eight (8) nor more than sixteen (16). After being elected the Directors shall immediately begin performance e of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. In the event any Director seat becomes vacant for any reason (resignation, removal, or otherwise), the Board by a majority vote of those present at a duly constituted meeting may appoint one or more Directors to fill the vacant Director seats. The Board shall not be required to appoint any new Director or Directors unless nece3ssary to comply with the requirements regarding the minimum number of Directors as set forth herein.
Section 2
Required Numbers. The Board membership shall include the Officers and a minimum of at least one coach.
Section 3
Annual Election and Term of Office. Prior to each Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors shall determine the number of Director seats that will comprise the Board for the coming year. The Members shall elect such number of directors. The number so fixed may, within the limits prescribed by the foregoing Section 1, be increased at any Regular or Special meeting of the Members, and if the number is increased the additional Directos may be elected at the meetings at which the increase is voted, or any subsequent meeting. All elections of Directos shall be by vote of the Members present or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the Secretary prior to the election meeting. The individuals receiving the largest number of votes for the Director seats being voted upon shall be elected as Directors and shall comprise the Board of Directors for the next year.
Section 4
Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors shall have Regular Meetings on a monthly basis at a time and location designated by the Board for such Regular Meetings. The Secretary shall give three (3) day written notice of any change in the time or location of a Regular Meeting. Such notice may be by hand-delivery, mail facsimile, or electronic mail. The Board of Directos may conduct business at any Regular Meeting when a quorum of the Board is present.
Section 5
Quorum. The presence of one-half (1/2) of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum of the Board. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, a majority vote of those present at a Regular or Special Meeting of the Board shall be required to adopt or approve any action appropriate for consideration.
Section 6
Special Meetings. The President may, at any time, call for a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall give three (3) days written notice to the Board of a Special Meeting. The Secretary may give written notice through the U.S. Mail or any other medium that allows the recipient Board member to receive and print a copy of the written notice, such as but not limited to, facsimile machine or electronic mail. The written notice shall provide the time and place of the Special Meeting and an agenda with sufficient detail to inform the Board members of the specific subject(s) set forth in the notice of Special Meeting shall be discussed at a Special Meeting. No subject(s) other than specific subject(s) set forth in the notice of Special Meeting shall be discussed at a Special Meeting of the Board. The Board may give a written waiver, transmitted through any medium permitted by this section, of the three (3) day notice requirement for a Special Meeting and upon receipt of such waivers from a quorum of the full Board; the President may conduct the Special Meeting. Special Meetings may be conducted in any medium or forum, such as but not limited to, conference call or electronic mail that allows for the timely discussion of subjects between the Board.
Section 7
Duties and Powers. The Board of Directos shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.
The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the BTYFL as it may deem proper.
The Board of Directors shall have the power, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any Regular or Special Meeting, to discipline, suspend or remove any Director, Officer or Committee Member of BTYFL at any time.
Article VIII – OFFICERS, DUTIES AND POWERS
Section 1
Election. At the next regularly scheduled Board of Directos meeting following the Annual Meeting, the Board shall, provided a quorum of Directors is present, elect Officers, and may appoint committees for the ensuing year.
Section 2
Officers. The Officers of BTYFL shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, all who shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successor are duly elected.
The Board of Directos may appoint other Officers from the Directors as the Board may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the power and duties of such Officer. The Board may fill any Officer vacancy which may occur by appointment. Appointed Officer shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directos unless such individual have been elected to the Board by membership or have been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board.
Section 3
President. The President shall:
(a) Conduct the affairs of BTYFL and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
(b) Present a report of the condition of BTYFL at the Annual Meeting.
(c) Communicate to the Board of Directors, such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of BTYFL.
(d) Execute for and on behalf of BTYFL any contracts or agreements that have been properly approved by the Board of Directors or otherwise designate in writing another officer to execute such documents.
(e) Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to BTYFL and report thereon to the Board or Executive Committee, as circumstances warrant.
Section 4
Vice-President. In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided he is authorized by the President or the Board so to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all of the powers of that office, and shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directos or by the President.
Section 5
Secretary. The Secretary shall:
(a) Be responsible for recording the activities of BTYFL and maintaining appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.
(b) Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
(c) Maintain a list of all Regular, Sustaining and Honorary Members, Directors, Committee members and Officer and give notice to all meetings of BTYFL Members, Board of Directors and Committees.
(d) Keep minutes of the meetings of the Members, Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose.
(e) Shall conduct all correspondence for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed.
(f) Notify Members, Directors, Officers and committee members of their election or appointment.
Article IX – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee which shall consist of not less than three (3) or more than five (5) Directors, two of whom shall be the President and the Treasurer of BTYFL. The Executive Committee shall advise and assist the Board in all matters concerning its interests and management of its affairs, and shall have such other powers as may be delegated to it by the Board.
Article X – OTHER COMMITTEES
Committees. The Board may, from time to time, appoint a committee or committees of Board members, to assist the Board with its various responsibilities. Such committees may include, but are not limited to: Building and Property Committee, Coaches Committee, Concession Committee, Equipment Committee, Fund Raising Committee, Grounds Committee, Membership/Public Relations Committee, Summer Football Clinic Committee.
Article XI – AUDIT PROCEDURES
The Board of Directors shall secure the services of a Certified Public Accountant to review BTYFL books and records annually prior to the Annual Meeting and prepare an annual compilation. A copy of the annual compilation shall be delivered to the President and the Treasurer prior to the Annual Meeting.
Article XII – FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
Section 1
The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of BTYFL and it shall place all income in a common treasury, directing the expenditure of same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
Section 2
No Director, Officer or Member of BTYFL shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation or emolument for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member.
Section 3
All monies received, shall be deposited to the credit of BTYFL in the local financial institution selected by the Board of Directors and all disbursement shall be made by check.
Section 4
The Fiscal year of the BTYFL shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December.
Section 5
Distribution of Property upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution of BTYFL and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of BTYFL to another Federally Incorporated entity which maintains the same objectives as set forth herein, which are or may be entitled to exemption under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.
Article XIII
These bylaws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or part, by a two-thirds majority vote at any duly organized meeting of the Board, provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting. An article of these bylaws may expressly provide that it cannot be amended repealed or altered in whole or in part by the Board, but may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or part by the Members at a duly constituted meeting of the Members pursuant to Article V of these bylaws.
________________________________________ ____________________________
Allan Evans Date
President, Belton Tiger Youth Football League
________________________________________ ______________________________
Jason Carothers Date
Vice President, Belton Tiger Youth Football League
Attachment 1 (11 Mar 2013)
BTYFL Coaches Code of Conduct
The BTYFL is dedicated to raising the standard of service to youth in sports through the enforcement of this Code of Conduct among its membership and pledges its support to the BTYFL Board striving to attain this same objective.
This CODE OF CONDUCT defines the expectations for adults serving as coaches in youth sports and provides the tools to be used the Board , when necessary, to check behavior and to respond with resolve to protect all children from psychological, emotional, physical or social abuses that can be perpetrated against them by youth spot coaches.
Enforcement of the CODE OF CONDUCT
The BTYFL firmly believes that for the sport experience to be positive, safe and learning experiences for youth, volunteer coaches must be trained and held accountable for their behavior when working with and around children. Every BTYFL member coach is required to sign and adhere to the Coaches’ Code of Ethics Pledge. The Code of Conduct has been developed to help explain how each of the “canons” of the Code of Ethics should be manifested in the actions and behaviors of an BTYFL Certified Coach.
It is the duty of the BTYFL Board to certify the coaches to respond to complaints lodged against a BTYFL member coach that has allegedly violated the Code of Ethics. This is accomplished in conjunction with our By-laws Article VI – Coaches, Draft Procedures and Practices, for the purpose of hearing complaints and determining what, If any, action should be taken towards correcting the member coach’s’ behavior. In order to provide the BTYFL Board the flexibility to take appropriate action when a BTYFL member coach is found to have violated the coaches Code of Ethics, a range of possible review committee action has been developed to accompany the Code of Conduct.
Possible actions include:
1. WARNING TO AND/OR APOLOGY FROM THE COACH
2. DISCIPLINE
3. PROBATION: ONE GAME/MULTIPLE GAMES/SEASON
4. PERMANENT REVOCATION
The specific response of the Board committee may include terms and conditions supplementing one or more of the listed sanction. When reviewing a complaint and deciding what action nis the most appropriate in a give situation, the Board committee must take in consideration various extenuating circumstances.
Factors that might suggest a more lenient sanction include
- First Offense
- Remorse
- Apparent Desire to Reform
- Other Good Coaching Attributes
- Dedication to Youth Sports
Factors that might suggest a harsher sanction include:
- Child Endangerment
- Prior Complaints/Review Action
- Lack Remorse
- Number of Ethics Canons Violated
- Breach of Duties as a Role Model
- Extraordinary Poor Judgment Around Children
COACHES’ CODE OF CONDUCT PROCEDURES
When a BTYFL Board Member receives a complaint about a member coach:
1. To ensure proper implementation of Code of Conduct allegations, any complaint must be brought to BOTH the BTYFL President and Vice President. Any individual who brings a complaint or participates in an investigation of a complaint of unlawful discrimination will not suffer retaliation or adverse action because of that complaint or participation, as provided by applicable law.
2. Any participant or volunteer who believes the actions, words or other communications of a individual, with whom the individual has interacted through his or her BTYFL interaction constitute unwelcome Code of Conduct of any type must report that behavior to the BTYFL President and Vice President. If warranted, a discreet investigation into the allegations will take place or the allegations will be discussed as soon as possible with the person charged with such conduct. BTYFL Board will attempt to begin this investigation or discussion as soon as practicably possible. The BTYFL will respond appropriately to all valid claims of harassment.
3. All BTYFL members are expected to avoid any behavior or conduct which could be interpreted as Code of Conduct toward any other individual. Any individual subject to or observing problems or acts in violation of the above will report these to the BTYFL President. Immediate investigation of the circumstances will be made by the BTYFL Board. If corrective action is required because of the incident, BTYFL Board will take such action, which may include discipline up to and including dismissal of the offending individual or individuals.
4. A report of the incident and the corrective action taken will be prepared by the BTYFL Board. A copy will be retained as a confidential/limited access file with the BTYFL Board In the event that no investigation is underway within seven calendar days from report of the incident or if the corrective action taken as a result of the investigation is believed by the victim to be inappropriate for the seriousness of the act, the matter will be referred directly to the BTYFL President and to Coach Rodney Southern.
Article VI-COACHES, DRAFT PROCEDURES and PRACTICES
Section 1
Appointment. Prior to the start of each season the Board of Directors (or designated sub-team) shall appoint a head coach for each football team. The appointed head coach shall timely submit a list of three assistant coaches for review and approval by the Board. The limit for coaches for each team is four. All Coaches are required to fill out a BTYFL Criminal History Record Information Addendum; the head coach will be responsible for delivering the BTYFL Criminal History Record Information Addendum for himself and all his coaches to the Board. All BTYFL Criminal History Record Information Addendum checks must be completed before practices begin.
Article VI-COACHES, DRAFT PROCEDURES and PRACTICES
Section 2
Removal.
(c) The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at a duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend, or remove any BTYFL coach at any time.
(d) Notwithstanding the discretionary authority of the Board of Directors set forth in (a) above, the Board shall immediately remove any existing BTYFL coach from his or her coaching position who is found to have:
(IV) Committed violent acts against any coach, referee, parent, player or any other person involved in a BTYFL organization or event; or
(V) Verbally or physically threatened any other coach, referee, parent, player or any other person involved in a BTYFL organization or event.
(VI) Background check discovers a violation of BTYFL criteria to coach.
Section 3
Draft Procedure. BTYFL Coaches shall comply with the drafting rules, regulations, and procedures set forth by BTYFL.
Section 4
Practices. Team Practices will begin no sooner that one month before the established 1st Game of the season. Teams will be allowed to practice three times a week in the month before the start of the season. Once the Season starts teams are only authorized to practice two times a week. All practices will be limited to 1 ½ hours. Head coaches will submit their request for time slots to the board at which time practice fields will be assigned.
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
I WILL PLACE THEIR EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING OF MY PLAYERS AHEAD OF A PERSONAL DESIRE TO WIN.
Expected Behavior:
- Using appropriate language in appropriate tones when interacting with players, league officials, game officials, parents and spectators.
- Three Person Rule will always be adhered too.
- Include all players in team activities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, body type, national origin, ancestry, disability, ability, or any other legally protected classification.
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
I WILL PLACE THEIR EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING OF MY PLAYERS AHEAD OF A PERSONAL DESIRE TO WIN.
Expected Behavior:
- Treating all players, league officials game officials, parents and spectators with dignity and respect.
- Playing all players according to the equal participation rules established by the league and spirit of those rules. MERCY RULE: Any team that goes up by three touchdowns will no longer play his starters in a position that advances the football.
- Encouraging youth participation to promote their development
- Allowing reasonable absences from practice (Church, School event, Personal)
I WILLTREAT EACH PLAYER AS AN INDIVIDUAL, REMEMBERING THE LARGE RANGE OF EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SAME AGE GROUP.
Expected Behavior:
- Recognizing the differences of each child and treating each player as an individual while demonstrating concern for their individual needs and well being
- Encourage all players, regardless of skill level, to be includes as a member of the team
- Recognizing that some physical tasks, drills and demands are not appropriate for all youth
- Recognizing that youth may vary greatly in physical, social and emotional maturation and considering these factors when setting up competition and when interacting with youth
I WILL DO MY BEST TO PROVIDE A SAFE PLAYING SITUATION FOR MY PLAYER
Expected Behavior:
- Marinating a high level of awareness of potentially unsafe conditions
- Protecting players from sexual molestation, assault, physical or emotional abuse
- Correcting or avoiding unsafe practice or playing conditions
- Using appropriate safety equipment necessary to protect all players
- Seeing that the players are provided with adequate adult supervision while under the coach’s care
I WILL PROMISE TO REVIEW AND PRACTICE THE BASIC FORST AID PRINCIPLES NEEDED TO TREAT INJURIES OF MY PLAYERS.
Expected Behavior:
- Keeping basic first aid supplies in all practice and game situations
- Recognizing and administering proper first aid to an injured player
- Demonstrating concern for an injured player, notifying parents, the BTYFL President and cooperating with medical authorities
- Protecting the players’ well being by removing them from activity when injured and not returning them to activity if they as compromised by injury.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal function of the brain. It occurs when the brain is rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. As the brain is suspended in fluid inside the skull, even what appears to be a mild jolt or blow can create enough force to result in a concussion. In a young brain, a concussion has the potential to result in short or long-term changes in brain function, or in some cases, death. There is no such thing as a minor brain injury. A suspected concussion must be taken seriously by the athlete, the parents or guardian, the coaching staff, as well as the training and medical staff. An athlete does not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion, in fact, these only accounts for less than 10% of all Concussions. The injuries that occur to the brain with a concussion are not entirely understood but essentially involve microscopic stretching or tearing of brain cells. Because these are microscopic physical and chemical changes, they cannot be seen on CT or MRI scans and therefore must be managed on an organized way based on symptoms.
Initial signs and/or symptoms according to patient include:
__ Headache __ Dizziness __Double or fuzzy vision __Unsteady gait/ balance issues
__Nausea __Vomiting __Light sensitivity __Sound sensitivity
__Felt foggy __Confusion __Short term memory loss __Long term memory loss
__Poor concentration __Weakness __Inappropriate behavior
__Bloody nose __Neck pain __Numbness/ tingling in arms
Initial signs and/ or symptoms according to coaches, training staff, or family include:
__Appeared dazed or stunned __Was confused about what to do __Forgetting plays
__Unsure of game __Unsure of opponent __Unsure of time
__Unsure of location __Answered questions slowly __Moved clumsily
__Had loss of consciousness __Showed behavior or personality changes
__Couldn’t recall events prior to injury __Eyes not tracking smoothly
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), and the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL), have certain guidelines suggested for management of a concussion in sports. Those Guidelines will be followed in this instance.
If a concussion is suspected by a Coach, Trainer, or Sideline Physician:
1. Remove the athlete from play.
2. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional.
3. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them information of concussions.
4. Keep the athlete out of play on the day of injury and until an appropriate health-care professional says he or she is symptom-free and gives the OK to return to activity.
5. The athlete should be observed following a concussion and never be left alone.
6. Athletes must know that they should never try to “tough out” a suspected concussion. Teammates, Parents, and Coaches should never encourage an athlete to “play through” the symptoms of a concussion.
7. If a concussion is suspected, NO ATHLETE SHOULD RETURN TO PLAY OR PRACTICE ON THAT SAME DAY. (Previously, athletes were allowed to return to play if their symptoms resolved within 15 minutes of the injury. Newer studies have shown that the brain does not recover quickly enough to return to play in such a short time.)
8. Rest is the first step in recovering from a concussion. Returning to sports and regular activities too quickly can prolong recovery. The athlete will need cognitive rest form physical and mental activities that require concentration and attention such as exposure to loud noises, bright lights, computers, video games, television and phones (including texting), which all may worsen the symptoms of a concussion. As the symptoms lessen, increased involvement in these activities may be allowed.
9. Once an athlete no longer has signs, symptoms or behaviors of a concussion, and is cleared to return to activity by an appropriate health-care professional, He or she will return to activity following the Progressive Physical Activity Program.
I have read and understand the above statements and agree to conduct myself in a manner that demonstrates the standards established in the BTYFL.
SIGN ___________________________________ DATE_______________________.
Coach’s Name
NOTE: Have you ever been convicted, or had an administrative finding, of violating any law involving child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment or exploitation, or any other crime related to children? Please Circle: Yes/ No
If you answered yes to the above question please explain:
