Health & Safety

Medical Information

Medical forms are collected from players at the start of each season.  Forms are kept with each team’s first aid kit which is brought to every practice and game.  

Medical History Form

 

Concussion Management

Vancouver FC adheres to guidelines outlined in BC Soccer’s Concussion Policy.

Vancouver FC Concussion Management Plan includes:

  • A Concussion Protcol with steps to respond, report and recover.

  • Guidelines for Return to Learn and Return to Play.

  • Distribution of information to parents/players regarding the signs and symptoms of concussion and VFC’s Concussion Protocol. 

  • Educational seminar for Coaches/Managers that includes the signs and symptoms of concussion and VFC’s Concussion Protocol.

  • Inclusion of Concussion Assessment tool in VFC first aid kit.

  • Baseline Concussion Testing for all players.

  • A Safety Officer to track players with concussions and to ensure VFC protocol is adhered to.

Baseline Concussion Testing

All Vancouver FC players are offered baseline concussion testing every 2 years as part of their registration fees.  Testing is done at the beginning of the season through Lifemark at the Richmond Oval.

Information on Baseline Testing

Signs & Symptoms of Concussion

Physical
Headache
Nausea
Blurred Vision
Dizziness
Light Sensitivity
Noise Sensitivity
Fatigue
Balance Problems
Emotional
Headache
Irritability
Sadness
Anxious or Nervous
More Emotional than Usual
Cognitive
Headache
Slowed Thought
Fogginess
Poor Concentration
Memory Loss
Disturbed Sleep
Alert!

If a player shows any signs of the following red flag symptoms, CALL 911 immediately.

  • Loss of Consciousness

  • Increased Confusion/Irritability

  • Repeated Vomiting

  • Seizure or Convulsion

  • Weakness in Arms/Legs

  • Tingling or Burning in Arms/Legs

  • Deteriorating Consciousness

  • Onset of Neck Pain

  • Severe or Increasing Headache

  • Unusual Behavior Change

  • Double Vision

Did you know?

  • The onset of concussion symptoms can be delayed.

  • You may only experience one of these symptoms & still have a concussion.

  • A concussion can occur even if there wasn’t a direct blow to the head.

  • You can have suffered a concussion without loss of consciousness

  • If your child has had a concussion in the past, even a minor blow to the head or body can trigger symptoms.

  • Most symptoms resolve within 7-10 days, however children/teens can take longer to recover.

  • Having a previous concussion increases the chances of a delayed recovery.

Concussion Assessment Tools

Child - SCAT3 Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (ages 5 - 12 years)

SCAT3 Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (age 13 years and older) 

Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool

Concussion Recognition Tool App

Understanding Concussion

Vancouver FC Concussion Protocol

Respond
  • If a player is suspected of having a concussion, remove them immediately from the game.
  • Take you child to the nearest Emergency Department immediately if any of the "red flag" symptoms are present.
Report
  • Within 24 hours, make an appointment with your family doctor or request a referral to a concussion specialist.
  • Within 48 hours, if an independent pre-season Baseline Concussion Assessment was completed, consider a follow-up appointment.
  • Advise Interim VFC Saftey officer, Alex Beckmann, alexbeckmann@shaw.ca.
Recovery
  • Monitor your child and watch for persistent symptoms.
  • Follow Return to Learn After Concussion Steps.
  • Follow Return to Play After Concussion Steps.
  • Do NOT return to play before being cleared by your physician.

Vancouver FC requires a note from your physician/concussion specialist advising that the player is able to return to train and to return to play.

Concussion Documents

Return to Learn After Concussion

Return to Play After Concussion

 

Player Insurance

Information on BC Soccer player insurance coverage