RBI Concussion Management Plan

The purpose of the Concussion Management Plan is to improve the prevention, recognition, evaluation and management of concussions in athletes.

Concussion Defined

A concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological processes affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Concussion

Signs and symptoms of a concussion include, but are not limited to headache, “pressure in the head”, neck pain, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, balance disturbance, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, feeling “slowed down”, feeling “in a fog”, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering (amnesia), fatigue or low energy, mental confusion, drowsiness, trouble falling asleep, more emotional, irritability, sadness and being nervous and/or anxious.

Responsibility of Reporting Medical Conditions

Each Parent/Guardian of an athlete participating in RBI must sign a statement indicating that in the occurrence of an injury, illness or concussion that they report such issue to their coach and notify the league president (president@richfieldbaseballinc.org).

Concussion Education

Education materials on concussions can be found at the cdc.gov website, RBI  can also provide additional information on concussions.

Coach / Parent / Athlete Information Sheet

Coaches Fact Sheet

Parents Fact Sheet

On-Field / Sideline Assessment

 When an athlete shows any signs or symptoms of a concussion, they will immediately be removed from the practice or competition and will be examined by a certified physician. The physician should access the athlete’s cognitive and physical symptoms. An athlete who demonstrates symptoms of a concussion will not be allowed to participate in athletic activities until being cleared to resume activities.

Concussion Action Plan

Return to Play Criteria

1. Athletes diagnosed with a concussion must have cognitive and physical rest until symptom free.

2. Athletes must be asymptomatic at rest and be asymptomatic with the following exertion progression tests before they will be allowed to return to physical activity.

3. Each step of the following exertion tests must be successfully completed without any return of concussive symptoms. Generally, only one step will be performed within a 24-hour period unless directed by the physician.

 Light aerobic activity (walking, swimming, stationary bike – no resistance training)

 Sport specific exercise (individual drills within a non-contact environment)

 Non-contact practice (advanced position drills and resistance training in weight room)

 Full contact practice

 Full return to sport without limitations

 4. A certified physician will determine an athlete’s return to play status.

Athlete return to play Form

Click here for MN Concussion Law Document