What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This fast movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging the brain cells.

MRT Head Injury Policy

Any Meadows Race Team athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion/ traumatic brain injury must be removed immediately from participation in MRT sporting events (e.g. sanctioned training, practice, camps, competitions, or tryouts), by the MRT member coach overseeing such sporting event. The athlete will be prohibited from further participation until evaluated and cleared in writing to resume participation in MRT activities by a qualified healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussive head injuries. The health care professional must certify to MRT 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 MRT member coach making the removal must inform USSA Competition Services in cases where applicable. Athletes who have subsequently been medically cleared to resume participation must provide such medical clearance (as described above) to MRT (and USSS Competition Services where applicable) in order to be permitted to participate in any MRT training programs and competitions that MRT participates in.