Northern Piedmont Sports Club (NPSC) is committed to insuring the safety and well-being of players. In order to support the safety of its players the NPSC has provided policies and guidelines to deal with concussions regarding the identification and handling of suspected concussions. All members of the NPSC will be subject to the rules and guidelines contained within this policy guidance.

A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or blow to the body that cause the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. It is important that coaches are aware of the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion and take appropriate action to ensure the well-being of any player that has experienced a head injury.

When a head injury is suspected the player will immediately be removed from play. No athlete reporting or exhibiting any signs, symptoms, or behaviors that may be attributable to a head injury or concussion will be allowed to return to play until they have been medically cleared by a physician. Clearance must be provided to the NPSC Director of operations or NPSC Director of Coaching in writing before a player will be allowed to resume play.

In cases where a concussion is suspected parents will be given a concussion fact sheet. This sheet will explain the signs and symptoms associated with concussions as well as NPSC’s policy requiring that a medical clearance be provided prior to the player returning to play.

Whenever there is suspicion of a head injury, the manager or coach of the team will document and report the injury to the NPSC Director of operations and Director of coaching, or his designee. When the player has been released to play by a physician, the parent will provide the documentation to the Directors who will then notify the coach that the player is eligible to participate in practice/games.

All NPSC recreational and competitive program sports coaches, adult team managers and NPSC board members are required to complete the Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports on-line training once every year. The course completion certificate will be submitted to the NPSC Director of operations and Director of coaching, or his designee, upon completion. The Director of operation's will maintain these documents in NPSC records for a period of five years. All coaches will be provided concussion fact sheets for distribution, and to carry with them. All coaches should encourage the parents of their players to also complete this training. The signs of a concussion may occur after the injury and outside the notice of coaches. Parents need to be aware to monitor their child for any potential symptoms.