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University of Guelph Athletics

Concussion

 VARSITY CONCUSSION RETURN TO SCHOOL and PLAY GUIDELINES
Concussions are individual and unique progressing at different rates for each athlete. Returning to normal activities, school and sports is a stepwise process that requires attention, patience and guidance. The return to play is very gradual and detailed which begins following a Healthcare Professional clearance to begin the staged process of activity.
 
School needs and demands are a priority following a concussion injury. A Physician referral is required for Student Accessibility Services (SAS) should a varsity athlete require accommodations.
 
Of note, all students may self-refer for access to Counselling Services should it be needed.
 
Process and Procedure for Varsity Athlete Concussion Injuries
 
  • An online medical questionnaire is completed by varsity athletes prior to team training camp
  • Should a varsity athlete have suffered a diagnosed concussion the year prior, this medical questionnaire will be reviewed and assessed by our varsity Nurse and Lead Varsity Physician in case of need for further medical consultation
  • Varsity athletes are mandated to successfully complete the online Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) and submit their certificate to Athletics Department
  • If a suspected concussion occurs, the team Athletic Therapist or Student Trainers will administer the SCAT6 symptom evaluation and the King Devick Screening Test while providing immediate care instructions including review of “Red Flag” symptoms
  • Athletes are expected to schedule and communicate with their team Athletic Therapist the following day for injury assessment, specific testing, medical referrals and to review care instructions including a monitored treatment plan
  • Athletes should also advise their professors of their concussion injury providing they are seeking professional consultation (Varsity Physician would provide a medical note during your medical appointment consultation)
  • It is recommended that the SCAT6 symptom evaluation be completed by an injured varsity athlete and submitted daily to their respective team Athletic Therapist in order to monitor subjective symptom presentation and associated scores
  • The King Devick Concussion Screening Test will be administered and supervised by an Athletic Therapist as an objective tool to evaluate and monitor concussion recovery
  • Following initial few days after concussion injury and pending symptoms, athletes may be recommended to begin light walking, daily chores and modified schoolwork without resulting in symptoms aggravation or generating residual symptoms
  • Should a varsity athlete suffer another concussion injury during the same competitive season, this athlete must be immediately seen by the Gryphon Varsity Physician for consult
 
Guidelines for Return to Play Protocol
 
  • Each stage is at least 24 hours to complete but may last longer pending your symptoms
  • Only continue and move on to the next stage when activities are tolerated without new or worsening symptoms
  • Should symptoms worsen as a result, STOP and go back to the previous stage for a minimum of 24 hours completing activities which are tolerable and do not aggravate your symptoms; should worsening symptoms persist, athlete must be seen by a UofG Varsity Physician
  • Symptoms may return or worsen throughout the day even when not exercising
  • Should symptoms return during the return to play process or following medical clearance for stages 4, 5 and 6, the athlete MUST be re-evaluated by a UofG Varsity Physician before resuming any activities or sports
  • Returning to Play before full recovery from a concussion increases the risk of sustaining another concussion with more severe and longer lasting symptoms
  • DO NOT RETURN TO ANY IMPACT OR CONTACT PLAY UNTIL MEDICALLY CLEARED BY A UofG VARSITY PHYSICIAN
 
 
 
Recovery and Activity Immediately Following Concussion
 
Symptom Limiting Activities:
After initial rest immediately following your concussion, you may begin light physical and daily living activities even with very mild symptoms should they not worsen or residually aggravate your symptoms. Daily living activities may include light household chores, leisurely walking, gradually incrementally increasing school and work responsibilities.
 
Light Aerobic Activities:
Light exercise such as walking or stationary cycling for 10-15 minutes may be introduced when symptoms are mild and tolerable. No resistance training, weightlifting or running is advised at this stage.
 
Return to Play Protocol
All Return to Play procedures listed below MUST be supervised by a University of Guelph Certified Athletic Therapist. If you have not done so, please schedule an appointment online (uoguelph.inputhealth.com/ebooking) prior to beginning any Return to Play procedures.
 
Stage 1: Progressive Intensity Aerobic Activities:
Controlled and supervised progressive or higher intensity aerobic activities may be introduced for 10-20 minutes. Stationary cycling and non-impact activity is most recommended while monitoring heart rate and change in resulting symptom score.
 
Stage 2: Individual Sport Specific Activities with NO CONTACT
This stage includes individual sport specific activities such as skating, running, throwing for 15-30 minutes. No body contact or other jarring motions such as high-speed stops, drills or hitting ball with bat are included at this stage. No resistance or weight training is still advised.
 
NOTE: Once an athlete has completed the stages above and is completely symptom free with day-to-day activities and has fully returned to all school and work activities without symptoms for at least 24 hours, they may progress to Stage 3.
 
Stage 3: Training Drills with NO CONTACT and low risk for head contact
May begin more individually challenging sport specific drills and light to progressive resistance or weight training. Do not include any team scrimmage participation or impact activities such as body checking, heading the ball etc.
 
*Following Stage 3 completion, the athlete MUST be assessed and cleared by a Varsity Physician prior to participation of Stage 4 participation in any controlled contact practice. 
 
Stage 4: Light, Controlled Contact Practice following Medical Approval by Varsity Physician
May begin team drills with light, modified and controlled body contact as advised by the Varsity Physician or Certified Athletic Therapist. Should no active or residual symptoms result, the varsity athlete in consultation with their Athletic Therapist, may progress to Stage 5 the following day (24 hours).
 
Stage 5: Full Contact Practice:
Should no symptoms result from completing Stage 4 and in consultation with their Athletic Therapist, the athlete may progress the following day (24 hours) to participate in contact team practice.
 
Stage 6: Return to Play
in consultation with their Athletic Therapist, a full return and participation in game play and competition may be approved.