Concussion Protocol Guidelines

1. Immediate Removal from Play

If an athlete has or is believed to have sustained any degree of force to the head, they will be removed from play immediately, even if no immediate symptoms are observed. The athlete will remain out for the remainder of play on the day of the injury. If an athlete shows signs of a concussion (e.g., headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea), they will be removed from play until authorized to return by a licensed physician. “Play” includes practices, game day cheer, competitions, and all cheer related activities. Coaches will communicate with the athlete’s parent/guardian and monitor for signs and symptoms of a concussion.

In severe cases (loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizure activity, increasing sleepiness, and worsening symptoms), emergency care may be required. 911 should be called and the athlete should be further evaluated and treated.

An athlete with concussion symptoms will not be allowed to resume cheer-related activities until they have been symptom free for 24 hours and have been evaluated by and received written authorization from a licensed physician. Such authorization will be kept in the athlete’s file with the Program. Coaches are required to follow directives from the athlete’s physician in regards to returning to play.

2. Return to Play Procedures

Returning on Same Day of Injury

An athlete who exhibits signs or symptoms of a concussion will not be permitted to return to play on the day of the injury. When in doubt, coaches will always err on the side of safety and hold the athlete out. If no symptoms are observed or reported, but a jolt or force to the head occurs, athletes will be removed from play for the remainder of the practice.

Returning to Play After a Concussion

An athlete must have written clearance from a licensed physician to return to play following a concussion. Clearance from an Emergency Room or Urgent Care physician will not be accepted for returning to play. Athletes must be asymptomatic at rest and with progressive exertion before being cleared to RTP. Unless otherwise prescribed by a licensed physician, our athletes will follow a gradual re-entrance into cheer-related functions after authorization from a licensed physician. For cheer this will entail the following progression of activities:

Light aerobic exercise (sideline cheers, motions, walk-throughs of routine)
Cheer-specific functions (jumps, tumbling, routine participation without stunting)
Gradual entrance into stunting positions with coach supervision and spotting
Full entrance into cheer-specific activities

*Progression of the above activities should be monitored and approved by your medical provider. NOTE: If an athlete experiences post-concussion symptoms during any phase of returning to play, the athlete should drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and resume the progression after 24 hours.

3. Step by Step Guide to Navigating Concussion During the 2024-25 Season:

What to do if I suspect my athlete has sustained a concussion during the season?

Ensure that your child completes pre-season baseline testing (a specific link will be sent via email before the season starts to access ImPACT). Once your child completes the online assessment, they will be provided with a passport ID number for use during the 2024-25 season. Data will be stored within ImPACT and only released to a designated medical provider. Please note that baseline testing data will not be visible to parents/athletes.

If your child experiences a concussion during the season, communicate with your child’s coach about the event and obtain information about the specific details of the injury and symptoms. The athlete will be removed from play temporarily and will follow the posted concussion protocol guidelines (identified above). We require that you formally notify the cheer program in writing by sending an email to: cheer@pittsfordfootballandcheer.com so that the concussion protocol can be initiated.

Contact your child’s medical provider to ascertain medical advice and determine what type of tx or appt is needed. Prior to the medical appt, have your child complete post injury ImPACT testing (second assessment) so that the data can be shared with your medical provider at time of the appt (once notified by a parent of probable concussion, we will send a second link to provide access to post injury testing which can be done remotely within the home). Note that if your child chose not to complete baseline testing; they will not be eligible for post injury ImPACT testing and should instead just see their medical provider for treatment guidance.

Complete/sign a release form so ImPACT data can be sent directly to your medical provider (release can be found on our website).

At the time of your medical appt, let your medical provider know that your sports program follows a concussion protocol and that your athlete has completed ImPACT testing data as part of the Pittsford Panthers Jr Cheer Program. We will send your athlete’s baseline and post injury test data to your provider to assist with management. We will also provide educational information/contact resources about ImPACT to your provider if they require additional information.

Follow the medical advice of your provider and utilize the return to play progression model to gradually increase your child’s activity.

Submit a note from your medical provider to the program when your child is cleared to return to play. Clearance letters should be sent via email to cheer@pittsfordfootballandcheer.com.

*Please note that Pittsford Panthers Jr Youth Cheer will not provide medical care or direct concussion care in any way. As an organization, we will manage the administration/access to ImPACT for athletes who chose to use the service and will ensure that the data is submitted responsibly to designated medical providers. To assist parents, we have identified several local providers (if a referral is needed) and have also provided educational information on our website to assist parents in knowing what to expect related to concussion recovery. Ultimately, parents and athletes should work with their trusted medical provider for specific concussion management.