GSSL Concussion Management Policy

October 28, 2015
To:  All Managers of Currently Registered GSSL Teams

I’m sure most of you have become quite familiar with the recent attention being paid to the management of concussion injuries in sports at all levels.   

This is no less true in soccer, where more than 173,000 players each year in this country (adult and children) suffer concussions at some level, more than in American football.  As a result of this increased concern, the Board of Directors of the GSSL adopted a rule in July of this year dealing with the treatment of concussions in League games. 

Referees have been authorized to send off any player they deem to possibly have suffered a concussion during a match.  

The referee will keep that individual’s membership card and turn it in to the office, where the player can retrieve it by signing a waiver indicating his/her recognition of the risk associated with a concussion injury. 

We strongly urge any player with a suspected concussion to see a medical professional and get checked out.  Concussions can have consequences that are not obvious for several days or weeks, and can lead to very serious complications if not properly treated by those who know how.  For more information on how to recognize a concussion, you are urged to visit the following website: 

https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/concussion-recognition-tool-5.pdf?cloudid=y9y5fpwji70rtzyefdoa  

This rule went into effect on November 1, 2015. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office at soccer@gssl.org.