Sports Related Concussion

Ulster Hockey is aware that there can be serious sequelae for players suffering from a Sports Related Concussion [SRC]. This is not limited to the immediate consequences of acute head injury. The long term effects of head injury and concussion are well recognised and can be minimised with appropriate immediate and longer term care. Most of the hockey played in Ulster, indeed throughout the world, takes place without formal pitch side medical or first aid cover and it is hoped that these guidelines will help both players and those in charge of players.It should be rare and exceptional circumstances that a player with concussion or suspected concussion is not medically assessed.

Hockey Ireland Concussion Guidelines DocumentClick Here to download

 

 

Concussion – Do you KNOW THE SCORE?

ConcussionNI.net helps those involved in local sport to KNOW THE SCORE about sport related concussion.

It incorporates the latest medical advice, guiding athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers through the Recognition, Management and ultimately successful Return to sport following a player receiving a concussion.

Sport should be enjoyed by everyone – it enhances our physical health, our mental wellbeing and our communities. This website has been created to help ensure that, where a possible concussion occurs, it can be identified and managed properly, to allow participants to continue to enjoy and develop in their sporting goals.

ConcussionNI.net has been developed by Sport Northern Ireland and the Sports Institute in conjunction with the Department for Communities and in partnership with key stakeholders.

 

 

Concussion – The Facts
•A concussion is a brain injury that alters how your brain works
•Concussion results from a blow to your head or body that transmits a force to your brain – e.g. being hit by an opponent, falling onto the ground, being hit by a ball or stick
•Most concussions don’t result in a loss of consciousness
•Concussions can occur in any sport
•Early recognition of concussions and proper management leads to much better outcomes.
•If you think you may have suffered a concussion it is VITAL you don’t return to play that day and seek advice from a health care professional.

Concussion – The Symptoms

Each concussion is different and symptoms may be obvious immediately or delayed for minutes, hours or even a couple of days before they become apparent.

Common symptoms include:

•headache
•confusion
•difficulty remembering or concentrating
•feeling off balance
•feeling sluggish or foggy
•just feeling “not quite right”
•nausea or vomiting
•disturbance of your vision
•slower reaction times
•loss of consciousness
•feeling irritable or down
•sleep problems

Why is it important to report your symptoms?

While recovering from this injury, your brain needs rest. Continuing to exercise delays recovery and means you will feel unwell for a longer period of time.

During the recovery period, you are at a much higher risk of having another concussion and this places you at risk of longer term problems.

In rare cases, in young athletes, a 2nd concussion before the brain has had time to recover from the initial injury can cause catastrophic swelling of the brain and even death.

So you think you may be concussed – what next?

Don’t hide the injury – report It! Tell someone about it – e.g. your coach or team mates or parents. Don’t let anyone pressure you into continuing to exercise.

Get the injury checked out. Go and see the most appropriate healthcare professional – the sooner the better.

Look after your brain – your brain needs rest! This means not only rest from physical exertion but also from tasks that involve concentration like schoolwork, computer work or reading. It is vital that you rest until you feel normal again. When you feel normal you can begin the graduated return to play protocol.