Red Horse Elite Concussion Protocol
I. Immediate Action: "When in Doubt, Sit Them Out"
If an athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury during practice or a game,
the following steps are mandatory:
1. Immediate Removal: The athlete must be removed from play/activity immediately.
2. Evaluation: A coach or on-site medical staff will look for "Red Flags" (loss of consciousness, blurred vision, confusion, or vomiting).
3. Parental Notification: The parents/guardians must be notified immediately.
4. No Same-Day Return: Under no circumstances shall an athlete return to play on the same day they sustained a suspected head injury.
II. Return to Play (The "R.H.E. Safe-Step" Process)
Before an athlete can return to full-contact practice or games, they must:
1. Medical Clearance: Provide a written "Return to Play" authorization from a Florida-licensed healthcare professional (Physician, PA, or ARNP).
2. Graduated Loading: Once cleared, the athlete should undergo a 24–48 hour period of non-contact activity to ensure symptoms do not return.
3. Wellness Check: The Wellness Director or Athletic Director must verify the paperwork before the athlete is cleared on the roster.