Pease Baseball Professionals Concussion Protocol
Safety First: We prioritize the health and well-being of all participants in our programs.

What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, which can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms.

Steps to Take When a Concussion is Suspected

1. Immediate Action
   - If a player or participant shows signs of a concussion after a hit, fall, or accident, they must stop all physical activities immediately.
   - Alert a coach, staff member, or responsible adult on-site.

2. Common Signs and Symptoms
   - Physical: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light and noise.
   - Cognitive: Confusion, trouble concentrating, or memory problems.
   - Emotional: Mood changes, irritability, or feeling "off."
   - Sleep-Related: Fatigue, drowsiness, or difficulty sleeping.

3. Remove from Play
   - The individual should not return to any physical activity, including practice or games, until evaluated by a qualified medical professional. "When in doubt, sit them out."

4. Contact a Guardian or Emergency Services
   - Inform the participant’s parent/guardian (if applicable) immediately.
   - Call 911 if the participant loses consciousness or shows severe symptoms such as repeated vomiting, seizures, or slurred speech.

5. Medical Evaluation
   - The participant must be assessed by a healthcare provider experienced in managing concussions.
   - Obtain a written medical clearance before returning to activities.

6. Gradual Return to Play
   - Only after a healthcare provider confirms recovery can the participant begin a step-by-step return-to-play protocol:
     - Step 1: Light aerobic exercise (e.g., walking or stationary cycling).
     - Step 2: Moderate activity with limited body or head movement.
     - Step 3: Non-contact training drills.
     - Step 4: Full-contact practice with supervision.
     - Step 5: Return to games/competition.
   - If symptoms return at any stage, stop activity immediately and consult a medical professional.

Facility Responsibility
- All coaches and staff are trained to recognize signs of concussions and enforce these protocols.
- Emergency contact information must be on file for all participants.
- Staff will document all incidents and share reports with the necessary parties.

Resources and Support
- For more information on concussions, visit the CDC’s HEADS UP initiative: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/.

Contact Us
For further questions or concerns, please contact Jesse at jesse@peasebaseball.com.