Player Health and Safety
The Greenhaven Soccer Club’s highest priority is the safety and well-being of our players. Every coach, administrator and referee must pass a background check, as well as complete training on health and safety issues including head injuries, concussions and sudden cardiac arrest.
Pursuant to CA State Laws AB-2007 and AB-379, we will also provide every parent and player with an informational fact sheet regarding concussions and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Concussions and Head Injuries
For years, the Greenhaven Soccer Club has been proactive in terms of our efforts to prevent head injuries, including sub-concussive head trauma and concussions. We do not allow heading for age groups U14 and below. For more information on head injuries, please see the links in the “resources” section below.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens. For more information please see the links in the “resources” section below.
Player Removal/Return to Play Protocol
A player who receives a blow to the head and/or is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury, or who has fainted, or exhibited symptoms consistent with a suspected cardiac condition such as dizziness, excessive shortness of breath or chest pain in a practice or game shall be immediately removed from the practice or game for the remainder of the day, and shall not be permitted to return to any play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider. We will always err on the side of caution with the health and best interest of the player in mind. The player’s coach will contact the parent or guardian immediately if a player has been removed from practice or a game for medical reasons, as well as fill out the GHSC Injury Report Form and submit it to their AGC.
The player shall not be permitted to return to play until the athlete receives written clearance to return to play from a licensed healthcare provider. If the licensed healthcare provider determines that the player sustained a concussion or other head injury, the player shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days in duration under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
If the licensed healthcare provider suspects that the player has a cardiac condition that puts the player at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or other heart-related issues, the player shall remain under the care of the licensed healthcare provider to pursue follow-up testing until the player is cleared to play.
Parent/Player Concussion Info & Fact Sheet