The Southern Peninsula Basketball Association (SPBA) is committed to the health and safety of its athletes and has adopted the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport. This policy is designed to manage concussions with a focus on ensuring the well-being of participants through evidence-based practices. Key aspects of this policy include strict adherence to minimum off-contact competition times, symptom-free periods before returning to play, and specific protocols for managing repeated concussions.
21 Days Minimum Off Contact Competition: Athletes diagnosed with a concussion are required to abstain from any form of contact competition for a minimum of 21 days from the time of injury. This period ensures adequate time for recovery and reduces the risk of complications associated with premature return to play.
14 Days Being Symptom-Free: Before initiating a return to contact training, athletes must be symptom-free for at least 14 days and have undertaken a review by a health care practitioner. This symptom-free period indicates that the athlete has likely recovered from the concussion and is ready to gradually reintegrate into contact activities under close monitoring.
Management of Repeated Concussions: Athletes with a history of multiple concussions will undergo a more conservative management approach. Specific guidelines include extended periods of rest and a cautious return to play protocol. The policy emphasizes the importance of a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional specialised in concussion management for athletes experiencing repeated concussions, acknowledging the increased risk of prolonged recovery and the potential for long-term health implications.
This policy applies to all participants of SPBA endorsed activity.
By incorporating these focused elements into its concussion management policy, SPBA aims to provide a safer sporting environment. The policy ensures that all athletes, coaches, and support staff are aware of the critical importance of adequate recovery times, the necessity of being symptom-free before resuming contact activities, and the need for specialized care in cases of repeated concussions. Through education, adherence to return-to-play protocols and a commitment to athlete health, SPBA upholds its dedication to the safety and well-being of its sporting community.
The policy procedure of implementation will be as here: Concussion Procedures