NLMBA Concussion Protocol For 2022

                The purpose of this document is to work with the membership of NLMB to heighten the awareness of all parties regarding concussions.

          Concussions occur during sports and in March 2018, the Government of Ontario passed legislation called Rowans Law that affects minor and school sports. Direction in how the legislation is still being disseminated, so for the 2022 season the NLMBA will institute policy to assist with safety of players and try to reduce complications associated with concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. 

            If through mechanism of injury during a baseball game - a coach, parent / guardian or umpire suspects a player has sustained a concussion then that player shall be removed from the game. If there is a concern that a player has sustained a concussion, then it will be brought forward to the coach so that the player can be removed from the game. The criteria for removal after a mechanism of injury, if the player voices concussion-like symptoms or loses consciousness at the time or after the incident. Loss of consciousness will constitute automatic removal from the game. 

         Before the player can return to playing baseball, they must be seen and cleared to play by a physician or other equivalent health care provider. The player and / or parent will provide a note from the health care provider stating the player can resume playing the sport. This note from the health care provider will be forwarded to the President of the NLMBA. 

Concussion Awareness

Under Rowan's Law, before any player can be registered with the local association and Baseball Ontario, the player, and the parent or legal guardian of the player if the player is under 18 years of age, must review one of the Concussion Education Resources provided by the Province of Ontario and must review the Player Code of Conduct. Links to these resources are provided here and will open in a separate window:

Province of Ontario Concussion Education Resources - https://www.ontario.ca/page/rowans-law-concussion-safety

Baseball Ontario Player Code of Conduct - https://www.baseballontario.com/filestore/htmleditattachedfiles/player_code_of_conduct2017-03-30t09-47-05v001_by_292.pdf

About Concussions

A concussion is a brain injury. It can’t be seen on X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. It may affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts.

Any blow to the head, face or neck may cause a concussion. A concussion may also be caused by a blow to the body if the force of the blow causes the brain to move around inside the skull. A concussion can happen to anyone – anywhere – including:

• at home, school or your workplace
• following a car, bike or pedestrian accident
• from participating in games, sports or other physical activity

A concussion is a serious injury. While the effects are typically short-term, a concussion can lead to long-lasting symptoms and even long-term effects.

There are many signs and symptoms of a concussion to look out for, including:

If you notice signs of a concussion in others, or experience any of these symptoms yourself, consult with a physician or nurse practitioner.