Concussion Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of youth cheerleaders by establishing procedures for the prevention, recognition, management, and safe return-to-play following a suspected or confirmed concussion.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

   – All cheerleaders
   -Coaches and assistant coaches
   -Team staff and volunteers
   -All practices, performances, competitions, camps, and team-sponsored events

3. Definition

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Concussions can occur with or without loss of consciousness.

4. Education & Prevention

A. Required Education

   -Coaches must receive annual concussion awareness training.
   -Parents/guardians and athletes will be provided with concussion education                materials at the start of each season.
   -Cheerleaders are encouraged to report symptoms immediately.

B. Safety Practices

   -Proper skill progression and supervision during stunts and tumbling
   -Use of trained spotters at all times
   -Enforcement of age- and skill-appropriate routines
   -Safe practice surfaces and equipment
   -No athlete will be pressured to continue activity while injured

5. Recognition of Concussion

A cheerleader may have a concussion if they experience any of the following symptoms after a hit, fall, or impact:

Physical Symptoms
   -Headache or pressure in head    
   -Dizziness or balance problems
   -Nausea or vomiting
   -Sensitivity to light or noise
   -Blurred or double vision

Cognitive & Emotional Symptoms

   -Confusion
   -Difficulty concentrating or remembering
   -Feeling sluggish or foggy
   -Mood changes, irritability, or sadness

Red Flags (Emergency Care Required)

   -Loss of consciousness
   -Repeated vomiting
   -Seizures
   -Worsening headache
   -Slurred speech
   -Unusual behavior or confusion

6. Immediate Response & Removal from Activity
   
   -Any cheerleader suspected of having a concussion must be immediately removed      from practice or competition.
   -The athlete may not return to activity the same day, regardless of symptom              resolution.
   -Coaches will notify parents/guardians immediately.
   -If severe symptoms are present, call 911.

7. Medical Evaluation

   -The cheerleader must be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider trained in          concussion management.
   -Written medical clearance is required before returning to cheer activities.

8. Return-to-Play (RTP) Protocol

A gradual, step-by-step return will be followed once the athlete is symptom-free and medically cleared. Each step requires at least 24 hours:

   1. Light aerobic activity (e.g., walking)
   2. Basic cheer motions (no stunts or tumbling)
   3. Moderate activity (limited tumbling, no pyramids)
   4. Full practice (including stunts)
   5. Return to competition

If symptoms return, the athlete must stop activity and return to the previous step after medical guidance.

9. Documentation & Reporting

   -All suspected or confirmed concussions will be documented.
   -Incident reports will be maintained by the program.
   -Coaches will communicate updates with parents/guardians throughout recovery.

10. Return-to-Learn Considerations

If the cheerleader is a student:

   -Academic accommodations may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

   -Cheer participation will not resume until school activities are tolerated without            symptoms.

11. Policy Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of participation.

12. Acknowledgment

All coaches, parents/guardians, and cheerleaders must sign an acknowledgment confirming understanding of this policy prior to participation.