FHF Concussion Awareness & Policies

Youth Sports, Concussions, and Assembly Bill 2007

In order to protect young athletes, the State of California has passed a revised concussion law, AB-2007, that expands the concussion protocols in youth sports organizations and school athletic programs, effective January 1, 2017.  This bill, similar to laws enacted in most other states, outlines several steps that youth sports organizations need to take with regards to concussion and/or head injury protocol and policy for their players.  

Among other requirements, AB-2007 requires that athletes participating in certain sports, including field hockey, be removed from an athletic activity for the remainder of the day if the athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury, and prohibits the athlete from returning to the athletic activity until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed health care and has received written clearance from the healthcare provider to return to the athletic activity.  In addition, this law requires youth organizations to provide concussion and head injury information and education to youth athletes, families, and officials annually. 

FHF Concussion Policies and Forms

The Field Hockey Federation will be following CDC HEADS UP guidelines for concussions in youth sports and the State of California’s law with regards to our FHF Concussion Policy and league protocols for youth athletes.  We strongly encourage anyone associated with the FHF to take an active lead in the safety of our youth players.  This information and education is intended for youth athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, managers, clubs, officials, and volunteers within the FHF community.  

In the Spring of 2017, the Field Hockey Federation approved and implemented the following:

·       FHF Concussion Policy – league policies and protocols regarding suspected concussions and head injuries

·       FHF Concussion Information Sheet – for athletes, families, coaches, managers and volunteers

·       Possible Concussion Notification Form – to be used if a concussion or head injury is suspected

·       Medical Clearance to Return to Play – required for any youth athlete to return to activity

A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They may be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly.

Please review the FHF Concussion Information Sheet and FHF Concussion Policy for full details and forms.  If a concussion is suspected in a youth athlete during a competition, practice, or league event, follow these steps for all youth athletes:

1.     Remove Athlete from Play:  An athlete who is believed or suspected to have a concussion is to be removed from play right away.

2.     Obtain Permission to Return to Play:  An athlete can only return to play or practice after at least 24 hours and with permission from a health care professional.  

Responsibility of Parents/Guardians of Youth Players

Please review and acknowledge receipt of the FHF Concussion Information Sheet and the FHF Concussion Policy to participate in any FHF practice, competition, or event.  Youth athletes may not participate in any athletic activity without this consent.  

FHF Concussion Policy for Adult Players

Please review the FHF Concussion Information Sheet and FHF Concussion Policy.  The same protocols apply, with the exception of the Medical Clearance.  It is highly recommended to be cleared medically before resuming athletic activities, however it is not required for adult players.

Questions?  Please click   to send a question or comment regarding these policies.