DANGER OF CONCUSSION 

The dangers of concussions cannot be understated.  Sports like baseball carry an inherent risk of concussions and the State of Georgia has passed legislation regarding the issue.  Youth athletes are particularly vulnerable to concussions and their effects. What was once considered “a bump on the head” is now understood to potentially have larger and longer term effects.  Educating parents, guardians, coaches, and players is vital to improving outcomes of concussions.

By definition, a concussion is a brain injury that temporarily disrupts normal brain function.  They can occur with blunt blows to the head, violent shaking of the head/body or rocking back and forth, and/or abrupt twisting of the head.  The continued participation in any sport following a concussive incident can worsen the outcomes, putting the brain at risk for further injury, up to and including death.  

PROTECTIVE GEAR

All Baseball Foundry players and facility guests are required to wear a helmet in the batting cages and when at-bat in games.  Helmets must fit appropriately and be in good working condition and be within their expiration date, which can be found inside the helmet on a factory-placed decal or stamp system.  A helmet that is within its date does not mean it is still providing protection from a concussion.  Storage practices, use, and handling impact a helmet’s efficacy.  Helmets with obvious signs of wear and tear, that have flattened or ripped interior padding, or that have visible cracks and dings should be disposed of and replaced.   

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

There are many signs of a concussion, some of which can occur well after the concussive incident.  The most common side effects include, but are not limited to

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Poor balance 
• Clumsy movements 
• Decreased energy level/tiredness 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and sounds
• Fogginess of memory
• Difficulty concentrating and/or a slowed thought processes, 
• Confused about surroundings or game assignments 
• Unexplained changes in behavior and personality 
• Loss of consciousness 

CONCUSSION INFORMATION

Even though The Baseball Foundry is not a Georgia High School, we have adopted their basic policies in the management of concussions and protocols for returning to play.  

Any athlete who exhibits the behaviors, signs or symptoms associated with a concussion will be removed from play or practice and cannot return to play until a healthcare professional has determined the return to play is safe and appropriate and the player is cleared to participate.  Players will be required to provide written documentation of their medical clearance before being allowed to return to play.  

The healthcare professional responsible for assessing the player must be familiar with concussion management must be a licensed MD, DO, nurse practitioner, or physicians assistant.  

Athletes are not permitted to return to the game, scrimmage, practice, or workout on the same day of a concussive event and cannot return until medical clearance is obtained.  

Further information regarding concussions and batting helmets and protective gear can be found at any of the sites below: 

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/providers/return_to_activities.html

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/helmets/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/helmets/HeadsUp_HelmetFactSheet_Batters_508.pdf

https://dph.georgia.gov/health-topics/injury-prevention-program/cdc-core/traumatic-brain-injury