All USASA athletes who are suspected of having sustained a concussion must be removed immediately from participation in USASA sporting event (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions or tryouts), by the Technical Supervisor (TS), Series Director overseeing such sporting event or the athletes USASA member coach.

The athlete will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in USASA sporting events by a qualified health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries.

The health care professional must certify to USASA in the clearance letter that he/she has successfully completed a continuing education course in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries within three years of the day on which the written statement is made.

Upon removal of an athlete from participation for a suspected concussion/traumatic brain injury, the USASA TS, Series Director or member coach making the removal must inform USASA via the injury report for said event.

Athletes who have subsequently been medically cleared to resume participation must provide a medical clearance document (download below) to the USASA Official who authorized the removal from an event. The Official will transmit the "Return to Competition" document to USASA National Office, which may take up to 48 hours to reflect in the athlete's record.

Download the Concussion Medical Evaluation Form

About Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious.