Concussion Protocol and Return to Riding Policies

PURPOSE
The Northampton Cycling Club is committed to maintaining the health of our member riders and believes that an athlete’s health is more important than participating in the sport of cycling. We recognize the increased awareness of concussions and their long-term effects, and NCC therefore enacts this Policy as a tool to help manage concussed and possibly-concussed athletes, and preserve the health of its members.

SCOPE
This Policy applies to all NCC athletes, coaches, officials, and members.

PROCEDURE
During all cycling events, competitions, group rides, and practices sanctioned by NCC, participants (which include coaches, athletes, officials, and other members) will use their best efforts to:

  1. Be aware of incidents that may cause a concussion, such as:
    1. Falls
    2. Accidents
    3. Collisions
    4. Head trauma
  2. Understand the symptoms that may result from a concussion, such as: 1.
    1.  Nausea
    2. Poor concentration
    3. Amnesia
    4. Fatigue
    5. Sensitivity to light or noise
    6. Irritability
    7. Poor appetite
    8. Decreased memory
  3. Identify athletes or other individuals who have been involved in any of the above incidents and/or exhibit any of the above symptoms
  4. Riders who have been involved in an incident that may cause a concussion and who may exhibit symptoms of a concussion shall be identified and removed from the cycling activity.
  5. Following the rider being removed from the cycling activity, the event official, coach, or ride leader should:
    1. Call 911 (if the situation appears serious)
    2. Notify the rider’s emergency contact
    3. Have a ride home for the rider arranged
    4. Isolate the rider into a dark room or area if possible
    5. Reduce external stimulus (noise, other people, etc)
    6. Remain with the rider until he or she can be taken home or by ambulance 7. Encourage the consultation of a physician

RETURN TO CYCLING
Once the rider’s immediate needs have been met, the rider should be directed to the following steps which constitute the return to riding process.

A rider who has been concussed should only return to cycling activity by following the steps outlined below and as directed by a physician:

  • STEP 1 – Complete cognitive and physical rest. Immediately consult a physician. Refrain from physical activity until symptoms are gone. Once all symptoms are gone, rest for at least another 24-48 hours and re-consult a physician, preferably one with experience managing concussion, for clearance to proceed to
  • STEP 2 – Light aerobic exercise to reintroduce physical activity: 10-15 minutes of low intensity cycling on a stationary bike with no symptoms recurring.
  • STEP 3 – 30 minutes of cycling on a stationary bike at 75% of Max Heart Rate.
  • STEP 4 – 30 minutes of cycling on a stationary bike at 75% of Max Heart Rate with 30 second maximum effort intervals at minutes 10, 15, and 20.
  • STEP 5 – Sport-specific aerobic activity and re-introduction of cycling: 15 minutes of low intensity cycling. The environment should be managed so as to ensure the rider is not in excessive traffic and that there is minimum risk of falling or colliding withother athletes. The rider may also attempt basic balance drills.
  • STEP 6 – 30 minutes of cycling at 75% of Max Heart Rate with 30 second maximum effort intervals at minutes 10, 15, and 20.
  • STEP 7 – Regular warm-up with high intensity agility/coordination activities and monitored high intensity workout.
  • STEP 8 – Full participation once cleared by a physician.
  • STEP 9 – Return to unrestricted riding and competition

MEDICAL CLEARANCE
This Policy requires the athlete to consult with a physician throughout this process and the NCC will comply with all directions provided by the physician which may supersede this policy.

Last Updated April 12, 2022