Concussion Program

Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association Program for Concussion

There is little more important than the health and welfare of our players.  This year, Wisconsin Youth Soccer is piloting a program to help our members learn about the identification, diagnosis and treatment of concussion.  It is obvious that head injuries are frequently being incorrectly diagnosed and treated.  When a player injures an ankle or knee, it is normally more obvious to coaches, parents and the player.  However, an injury to the head is more subtle.  The player may feel relatively fine.  The coach or parent may not understand the symptoms they see to keep the player from the field.

For more information see the summary we have available:

• August 2008 Wisconsin Sports Concussion Collaborative Press Release
• ImPACT Executive Summary

We are finalizing details to roll out the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Program on Concussion Management.  This program includes several components. 

First, identification and additional training of providers for concussion treatment throughout Wisconsin.  Currently, we have trained providers in Milwaukee, the Fox Cities, Green Bay, Madison, LaCrosse, Stevens Point, Wausau and Menomonie.  ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus in the Fox Cities is the lead provider group.  The network will expand after the first phase.  Look back here for a link to the list of providers.  This will provide specialized treatment in the event of an injury. To learn more about the Wisconsin Sports Concussion Collaborative, visit their website at www.WIsportsconcussion.org.

Second, incorporating education for coaches, parents and players on the signs of concussion and proper recover steps.  This education will incorporate the WYSA website, various methods of communication and coaching clinics.  We have available a resource card for coaches and team managers to carry.  You can print this card for yourself, Click Here.  Through education, we can minimize the chance of players returning to activity too soon.

Third, ImPACT baseline testing. In the soccer world alone, ImPACT has partnered with MLS, provided testing for the US Men’s National Team and the US Women’s National Team. Because we are the first sports organization as a member of the Wisconsin Sports Concussion Collaborative, WYSA members have access to ImPACT baseline testing at a reduced cost of $7.00 (normally $10.00). Upon completion of the test, the players results will be reviewed for validity and a certificate of testing will be emailed with the date and selected provider listed. The user name and password are available from your club president. To learn more about ImPACT visit the Wisconsin Sports Concussion Collaborative website at http://wisportsconcussion.org/. Select “Concussion Testing from the menu on the left and select “WYSA”. This will insure you are getting the WYSA pricing.

We are excited to be the first state youth sports association involved in this program and partnership.  Keeping our players long term health, and teaching those that work with them what to look for is the ultimate goal of this program.