The St. Francis Xavier Athletic Association is dedicated to insuring athlete safety. Recognizing the issues with young athletes and concussions the Athletic Association is taking a proactive stance to assist in the recovery of athletes who experience a concussion while participating in Athletic Association activities.

    • Removal From and Return to Play Policy
      Starting April 26th, 2013, Ohio law requires coaches, referees, and/or officials to remove an athlete exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a concussion during practice or a game. This includes if the athlete:

      • Appears dazed or stunned.
      • Is confused about assignment or position.
      • Forgets plays.
      • Is unsure of game, score or opponent.
      • Moves clumsily.
      • Answers questions slowly.
      • Loses consciousness (even briefly).
      • Shows behavior or personality changes (irritability, sadness, nervousness, feeling more emotional).
      • Can’t recall events before or after hit or fall.
      • Any headache or “pressure” in head. (How badly it hurts does not matter.)
      • Nausea or vomiting.
      • Balance problems or dizziness.
      • Double or blurry vision.
      • Sensitivity to light and/or noise
      • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy.
      • Concentration or memory problems.
      • Confusion.
      • Does not “feel right.”
      • Trouble falling asleep.
      • Sleeping more or less than usual.

    The athlete cannot return to play on the same day that he or she is removed.

    The sport commissioner and pastoral designee/athletic director must be notified immediately of any such incident. In addition, the online CYO incident report form must be completed ASAP. The athlete is not permitted to return to play until he or she has been assessed and receives written clearance by a physician. The signed CYO medical release can be found here (CYO Release Form) and must be submitted to the pastoral designee/athletic director and an acknowledgement from the pastoral designee/athletic director must be received by the coach before the athlete returns to practice or play. Coaches not following these steps will be relieved of their coaching duties due to the liability and legal issues involved.