Concussion Protocol

A concussion is a complex, pathophysiological event to the brain that is induced by trauma which may or may not involve a loss of consciousness. Concussion results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. Signs or symptoms may last from several minutes to several months, or even longer in some cases. Although not yet fully documented there is research indicating a high incidence of concussions in drum corps.

Concussion Precautions: Baseline Testing

1. Members will complete a baseline modified concussion test at the beginning of the season.
2. If a member sustains a concussion during the season and misses the timeline for retesting, their baseline test will be conducted at the end of their return to play progression.

Concussion Recognition: Post-Injury Screenings

1. The Blue Devils Health and Wellness Team are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion. If these are observed the member will be removed from activity and assessed. Members are encouraged to discuss any questions about their health with the Health and Wellness Team.
2. The member will be reassessed twice a day until the member has no symptoms for 24 hours and/or has returned to their pre-injury/baseline state.

Concussion Management: Medical

1. Staff will immediately inform the Health and Wellness Team of any member that sustains an injury that involves trauma to the head.
2. The Health and Wellness Team will obtain injury details and assess the member. If symptoms are noted the member will be excluded from all participation, until they are medically cleared to return to activity. If the member is under 18, administration will contact the parents directly.
3. The Health and Wellness Team will notify the director and appropriate staff.
4. If the member is taken to a walk-in medical center or emergency room the member will be accompanied by the Health and Wellness Team or administrative staff. The member will need to follow-up with the Health and Wellness Team as well as the supervising physician for retesting and medical re-evaluation before returning to physical activity.
5. Once the member is symptom free for 24 hours, they will then be reassessed by the Health and Wellness Team before returning to physical activity. The member cannot participate in any performance or events until they have successfully completed return to play stages and remained symptom free.

6. Stages of Recovery:

   Absolute Rest: Immediately following concussion the member will require decreased stimuli and rest. They can perform basic daily activities only, no rehearsal, no electronics, preferably resting in dimly lit quiet room. Member will be checked frequently by the Health and Wellness team to ensure symptoms have not increased or worsened.

   Relative Rest and Return to Play – Brass and Percussion:

   Stage 1: Marching basics (Visual) w/o instrument and stand-still playing, (no ensemble)
   Stage 2: Marching basics (Visual), w/instrument and stand-still playing, (no ensemble)
   Stage 3: Marching basics (Visual), drill and stand-still playing, (no ensemble)
   Stage 4: Full participation

   Relative Rest and Return to Play – Guard:

   Stage 1: Flag/Weapon basics, no equipment. Body warm-up and stretch, no across the floors, (no ensemble)
   Stage 2: Full basics block with equipment, no tossing. Dance with across the floors, (no ensemble)
   Stage 3: Sectionals, spinning on the move, dance with across the floors. (no ensemble)
   Stage 4: Full participation

7. If the member experiences symptoms anytime throughout the stages of recovery (same or different that original injury), the member will be removed from activity until symptoms subside. The member will then restart the return to play progression on the following day provided symptoms do not return.
8. Per organization policy, the executive administration will make all final decisions for members return to activity.

RED FLAGS: If a member suddenly experiences ANY of the following symptoms, IMMEDIATELY contact the Health and Wellness Team. If a health and wellness team member is unavailable, facilitate getting the member to the emergency room as soon as possible.

• Worsening headaches
• Seizure like activity
• Neck pain
• Drowsy
• Unable to wake or loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech
• Multiple bouts of vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Unusual behavior changes
• Increase in irritability
• Change in pupils (not reacting to light or suddenly dilated or pinpoint)