New In-Game Concussion Policy Effective Immediately

The Oaklandon Youth Organization (OYO) Board of Directors is dedicated to supporting athlete safety at all times during all activity at Veterans Memorial Park, the home of OYO. Our goal and commitment is to ensure all board members, coaches, umpires and families are aware of the symptoms of concussions and implementing a process to promote proper management of a player, umpire or coach who may be experiencing concussion symptoms based on either observation or direct feedback.

After experiencing an injury to the head, a concussion may be a possible diagnosis if a coach, parent, umpire or AOD observe the following symptoms:

  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about events
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Repeats questions
  • Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump, or fall
  • Can’t recall events after the hit, bump, or fall
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Forgets an instruction or assignment

After experiencing an injury to the head, a concussion may be a possible diagnosis if the athlete or individual (e.g. coach/umpire) verbally indicates any of the following symptoms:

  • Headache or “pressure” in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”

The official OYO Concussion Policy effective immediately for all activity during all seasons and activity facilitated by OYO:

If any of concussion symptoms are observed or indicated by a player, then the player must be removed from the game/practice immediately. Removal from game situations will be the responsibility of the Umpire if older than 21 years of age. If the Umpire does not meet this criteria, the Umpire will engage the AOD to make the decision. The athlete will be ineligible to return the rest of the day. If more serious symptoms present, the athlete must be seen by a healthcare provider prior to returning to the field. 

For players who do not experience initial or additional symptoms, they will be allowed to return to practices or games after 24 hours with no documentation required. In order to return prior to 24 hours, documentation from a healthcare professional will be required.