Before the athlete can return to play in games and practice they should be cleared to begin a graduated return to play by a physician.
Ideally the physician should be trained in the management of concussions. There are a number of sports medicine physicians that the athlete could see.
A graduated return to play, or "concussion protocol" is a stepwise protocol of increasing activity as outlined below. These are to be done with no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can repeat the steps the next day.
Step 1: The player is symptom free and has physician clearance to return to play.
Step 2: 20-30 of cardio, no contact. They can dribble the ball while running.
Step 3: Sport Specific Activities. This can include agility drills, dribbling drills, shooting drills etc. Team passing drills are okay as are general warm ups. No contact or "live scrimmage".
Step 4: General practice, live practice. Limited contact if possible.
Step 5: Full contact practice.
Step 6: Cleared to participate in a game.
At no time shall a player under the age of 18 be returned to play sooner than 7 days after becoming symptom free.
Below is a link to the US Club resource that covers what is expected of us and our coaches.
https://www.usclubsoccer.org/head-injuries
Report all concussion to Spokane Rapids immediately.