Policies and Procedures

Western’s Campus Recreation is committed to the safety and well-being of the participants in our programs. Participation in sport programs and activities includes a risk of injury outlined in our Policies and Procedures page. In recognition of the potential seriousness of any and all injuries, ALL participants in Campus Recreation sanctioned programs are required to read and verify that they will adhere to the Policies and Procedures, including any and all Code of Conducts listed below. This is a mandatory condition prior to participation in any sanctioned activity. 

   • Western's Sport and Recreation Services Athlete Concussion Code of Conduct

Western's Sport and Recreation Services Athlete Concussion Code of Conduct

Participation in sport programs and activities includes risk of injury that includes concussions. Concussions can pose a serious health risk with short and long term consequences if not recognized and handled appropriately. Sport Leaders have a significant role to play in concussion identification and management. In recognition of the potential seriousness of a concussion, ALL participants in Western’s Sport and Recreation Services sanctioned programs are required to read and verify that they will adhere to the Western’s Sport and Recreation Services Athlete Concussion Code of Conduct, and any other policies provided through this page, as a mandatory condition prior to participation in any sanctioned activity.

I commit to following the concussion related protocols and expectations as highlighted below:

RECOGNIZE

•  I understand that a concussion is a serious head injury that can have short and long-term effects.
•  I understand that any blow to the head, face, neck or body may cause jarring of the head and a concussion.
•  I understand that concussions can’t be seen, I might notice signs immediately or symptoms may occur hours or days afterwards.

REPORTING, REMOVAL FROM ACTIVITY & RETURN TO ACTIVITY

•  I will be honest and forthcoming about any signs and symptoms related to a concussion that I may be experiencing and report any injury to my Sport Leader.
•  I will report to my Sport Leader if another individual reveals they are experiencing concussion-like symptoms, or if I suspect another individual has sustained a concussion.
•  I understand I will not be able to return to play if I exhibit any signs/symptoms of a concussion and need to be cleared by a physician or qualified medical professional prior to returning to sport.
•  I commit to the return-to-sport process and established protocols.

 RESPONSIBILITY

•  I will respect the roles and responsibilities of all Sport Leaders in “Removal from Sport” and “Return to Learn” and “Return to Sport” protocols.
•  I will properly wear the appropriate equipment for my activity at all times; and understand that equipment such as helmets and mouth guards may help, but are not guaranteed to prevent concussions.
•  I will help prevent concussions by committing to fair play and respect for all; respecting other athletes, coaches, team trainers and officials.
•  I commit to zero-tolerance for play that is considered high-risk for causing concussions.
•  I understand that engaging in prohibited play, with high concussion risk, will be subject to mandatory expulsion from play; and that these consequences will increase with subsequent offences.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

•  I have reviewed and commit to this Western’s Sport and Recreation Services Athlete Concussion Code of Conduct.
•  I understand that concussion education is a mandatory requirement of my participating in any Western’s Sport and Recreation Services sanctioned activity AND commit to reviewing the mandated Western’s Sport and Recreation Services Concussion Education Resources prior to participating in any Western’s Sport and Recreation Services sanctioned team/club and/or activities.
•  I understand that participation in sport and activity includes a risk of injury that includes concussion. I will not hold Western University or its representatives responsible in the event of injury.

Definitions

“Concussion” is a brain injury. It can not be detected by X-ray, CT scan or MRI. It may affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts.

“Sport Leader” is any coach, instructor, official, therapist, doctor, administrator and/or other individual who has responsibility for the organization of the sport activity.

“Return to learn/sport” are medically supervised processes/protocols that gradually introduce the injured athlete back to academics/activity to ensure they are fully recovered before they are exposed to full mental or physical tasks. 

For more concussion information please visit:
https://www.uwo.ca/campusrec/news/2019/Rowans%20Law.html