Rugby Colorado Medical Infrastructure

Medical Coordinator: Brian Finn Experience Lead Athletic Trainer for USA Men’s 15’s Eagles Program Head Athletic Trainer for Rugby at San Diego State University Head Athletic Trainer for Denver Pro Rugby NA Assistant Medical Coordinator for Southern California Youth Rugby USA Rugby age grade and development team ATC World Rugby ICIR Level 2 Medical Practitioner Certification Impact Sports Performance Program Coordinator USAR Level 200 coach Assisted in the development of Southern California Rugby Medical Infrastructure Tackling and head injury preventive training

Neuropsychologist Dr. Don Gerber Experience USA Rugby Concussion Committee Colorado Avalanche Concussion Consultant University of Denver Concussion Consultant Former Denver Bronco Concussion Consultant Former Colorado Rapids Conucssion Consultant Former USA Cycling Concussion Consultant Co-Chair Sports Neuropsychological Society Policy and Planning Committee Craig Hospital Rehabilitation Neuropsychologist/Principal Investigator

Responsibilities of Coordinator Verify Credentials and liability insurance of medical staff Coordinate logistics for athletic training services for Athletic Program Submit post event report and treatment report upon request Ensure all supplies & equipment are in good, working condition and suitable for needs of Athletic Program Provide insight and analysis of risk factors for Athletic Program Monitor and oversee InjureFree report collection and injury follow up.

Concussion Education and Training Concussion Education Seminar for all coaches: Annually: prior to the start of the Season. Injury Prevention Training Methods Seminar: Annually Tactical Training to reduce soft tissue injuries in conjunction with head injury reduction. What does that mean? How we can help.

Current Concussion Legislation Senate Bill 11-040, also known as “The Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act” In effect since January 1, 2012 Three Main points Education of concussion identification Removal from play for suspected concussion Return to play under medical supervision

World Rugby Position Rocognize and Remove “If in Doubt, Sit them out!” There is no amount of reward that validates this paralyzing risk

Approved Providers to Clear a Concussion for RTP Doctor of Medicine Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Licensed Nurse Practitioner Licensed Physician Assistant Licensed Doctor of Psychology with training in neuropsychology or concussion evaluation and management

Injury Reporting System InjureFree Injury Documentation Application Easy access Reliable and HIPPA compliant Tested Improve accuracy for injury prevention strength and conditioning. Ability to Track Return to Play effectively

USA Rugby’s Return to Play Policy If a player shows symptoms of concussion before, during or after a match, that player must be removed from play immediately, not to return during that match. No Exceptions. The player needs to be evaluated by approved medical staff. A player must do this before returning to play rugby in any form. If a concussion is diagnosed, that player must sit out of activity with full rest for the minimum guidelines listed below: Youth and HS players (18 and under) - 2 weeks (14 full days) AND be symptom free before beginning the 5 day Graduated Return to Play Protocols. Not returning to contact rugby before GRTP fully complete and symptom free. Once a player is cleared by a physician, they should be closely monitored for any lingering symptoms by coaches, parents, teammates and medical staff and be removed from play immediately if symptoms occur.

World Rugby’s Position on RTP Children and adolescents with concussion orsuspected concussion should be assessed medically immediately after their injury and prior to returning to contact training and playing A minimum physical rest period of two weeks (including an initial 24 hours of complete rest) is required for children and adolescents before commencing a Graduated Return To Play programme. A Graduated Return To Play programme must be completed by all players (once symptom free) who have been concussed or had suspected concussion. • If any symptoms are present or reappear the Graduated Return To Play programme should not be started, or if started it should be stopped until symptoms resolve. A Graduated Return To Play programme should only be commenced after the completion of the two week physical rest period and only if the player is symptom free and off medication that modifies or masks the symptoms of concussion.

Educational Components Coaches: All coaches complete World Rugby Concussion Module Complete and stay Current with NFHS Concussion Coarse Athletic Trainer All ATC’s complete Medical Modules for World Rugby Update and complete NFHS Concussion Coarse Board Certified and Registered to Practice in the State of Colorado Completion of Athlete Well Being pledge.

Resources https://www.cde.state.co.us/healthandwellness/concussionguidel ines7-29-2014-0 http://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/concussion https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/