Concussion and Injury

Concussion and Injury Reporting Policy

Purpose

The Calgary Torpedoes Water Polo Club is committed to providing a safe environment for all athletes, coaches, volunteers, and members. This policy outlines the procedures for reporting, managing, and returning to participation following an injury or suspected concussion.

Reporting Injuries and Concussions

Parents/guardians are required to notify the Club as soon as possible of any injury or suspected concussion that may affect an athlete’s ability to safely participate in training, competitions, dryland sessions, travel, or team activities.

All injuries and suspected concussions must be reported in writing by email to:

athletecare@calgarytorpedoes.ca

The report should include:

• Athlete’s name
• Date of injury or suspected concussion
• Description of the incident or symptoms
• Whether medical attention was sought
• Any restrictions or recommendations provided by a healthcare professional

All concussion and injury reports submitted to the Club’s designated email address will be reviewed by a member of the Board of Directors, the Athletic Director and appropriate coaching staff.   This information will be maintained in the athlete’s confidential file and included in travel chaperone binders to help ensure the athlete’s health and safety during club activities and travel.

Any medical documentation provided by a physician, including medical clearance or return-to-play letters, will also be retained in the athlete’s file and in applicable travel chaperone binders. Access to this information will be limited to those individuals who require it to support the athlete’s care, safety, and participation in club activities. 

Concussion Recognition

A concussion is a brain injury that may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or body that results in rapid movement of the brain within the skull.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurred vision
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Unusual emotional or behavioral changes

Any athlete displaying signs or symptoms of a concussion shall be removed from participation immediately.

Immediate Removal from Activity

An athlete must not continue participating in any club activity if:

• A concussion is suspected by a coach, official, parent, volunteer, or healthcare professional.
• The athlete reports concussion-related symptoms.
• The athlete has sustained an injury that may compromise their safety or the safety of others.

The athlete may not return to participation on the same day that a concussion is suspected.

Medical Assessment

Athletes with a suspected concussion should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Parents/guardians are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical assessment and following all medical recommendations.

The Club may request written medical documentation confirming:

• Diagnosis status
• Participation restrictions
• Return-to-sport recommendations

Return to Sport

Athletes diagnosed with a concussion must follow a medically supervised return-to-sport protocol.

Before returning to unrestricted participation, the athlete must provide written clearance from a qualified healthcare professional which must be submitted to the athletecare@calgarytorpedoes.ca email address.

The Club reserves the right to restrict participation until appropriate medical documentation has been received.

Other Injuries

Parents/guardians are also required to report injuries that may affect an athlete’s participation, including but not limited to:

• Fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Dislocations
• Significant muscle injuries
• Any injury requiring medical treatment or activity modification

Medical restrictions and return-to-play instructions must be communicated to the Club in writing via our athletecare@calgarytorpedoes.ca email address.

Privacy and Confidentiality

All injury and concussion information will be handled confidentially and shared only with individuals who require the information to support the athlete’s health, safety, and participation.

Compliance

Athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, and club personnel are expected to comply with this policy. Failure to report a concussion or significant injury may result in restrictions on participation until appropriate information has been provided.