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Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation

Supplemental Rules

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Document History:

October 2011 – Initial Approved & Publication

February 24, 2012 – Classic 8 and SEWLAX added to list of leagues in section 3.2

April 22, 2012 – Replaced sections 10.1 through 10.3 with Appendix C, renumbered section 10.4 as 10.1

February 24, 2013 – Revised Sideline Manager Rule in section 13.5

April 21, 2013 – Participation in high school tournament made voluntary in section III.B. of appendix A

September 22, 2013 – Revisions to sections 6 and 7 based on adoption if U-Age youth classifications and the

recommendations of the League Issues Committee.

April 19, 2015 – Revisions to Section 3 Recognition of Leagues and Teams, Section 7 U – 7, U – 9, U-11, U-

13 and U-15 Teams, and Appendix A WLF High School Season.

September 20, 2015 – Revision to Rule 10.1.1, Rule 11.2, Rule 12.3

January 31, 2016 – Added Rule 10.1.3; Revision to Rule 13.4 and 13.5; Remove Appendices D, E, F

September 18, 2016 – Removed 6.1.2.4; Amend 6.2.4 Strike 2013, add LAST; Amend 7.1.3.2 Strike 2012

and 2013, add LAST 2 (TWO) YEARS; APPENDIX A add definition of WEEK; APPENDIX A amend

practices to days.

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Rule 1.0 Rules and Regulations Committee

1.1 Purpose. The purpose of the committee is to (a) consider the need for supplemental rules regarding

matters other than on-field play, and (b) develop supplemental rule proposals for consideration by the WLF

board.

1.2 Rules and Regulations Committee Composition. The members of the committee will be appointed by the

President in accordance with Section 2.08(B)1. of the WLF By-Laws.

1.3 Grievance Committee Composition. The members of the committee will be appointed by the President in

accordance with Section 2.08(B)1. of the WLF By-Laws.

Rule 2.0 Grievances

2.1 Definition of grievance. A grievance is a written request for action submitted to the committee in writing

by:

2.1 An authorized representative of a league or a WLF-recognized organization of coaches, referees

or umpires; or

2.2 An individual or authorized representative of a team, provided that if the grievance is against a

team, league or a WLF-recognized organization of coaches, referees or umpires, the person submitting

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the grievance has first submitted it to that entity and that entity has taken action on the grievance or

has had a reasonable opportunity to do so.

2.2 Grievance Procedure. The committee shall take action on all grievances and the chair of the committee

shall report such actions to the board at each board meeting. The chair of the committee will notify the

organization(s) and/or person(s) subject to the grievance within 48 hours of receipt. The committee will act

on a grievance within 14 days of receipt unless it notifies the interested parties of the need for additional time.

The committee may request any individual to attend its meeting to provide information concerning the

grievance. The chair of the committee will notify the interested parties within 48 hours of the committee’s

action. A team representative may appeal the committee’s action on a grievance to the board by submitting a

written appeal to the secretary of the board within 7 days after notification of the action.

2.3 Conflicts of Interest. When the committee is considering a grievance, any member of the committee who

is associated with an entity involved in the grievance shall not participate in the committee’s discussion or

action concerning the grievance.

2.4 Grievance Form. The secretary of the board will maintain a written grievance form on the WLF website.

Rule 3.0 Recognition of Leagues and Teams.

3.1 The WLF shall recognize a youth lacrosse league that governs its member teams in accordance with these

rules subject to the WLF’s oversight. WLF will recognize individual teams at the youth level, according to US

Lacrosse U-Age levels, based on the oldest member of that team. Any team rostering by grade level will still

be recognized in this way. A team of a recognized league is a recognized team, subject to WLF’s oversight.

The current leagues currently recognized by WLF are as follows:

Bay Valley Lacrosse Association

Madison Area Lacrosse Association

Milwaukee Area Youth Lacrosse Association

Classic 8 High School League

Southeastern Wisconsin Lacrosse Association (Youth)

3.2 The WLF may recognize independent youth lacrosse teams that govern themselves in accordance with the

bylaws, rules or directives of the WLF.

3.4 Withdrawal or forfeiture of league or team recognition. The WLF may withdraw its recognition of a

league or team for cause, including without limitation the league’s or team’s failure to follow the bylaws,

rules or directives of the WLF. A league or independent team that fails to cooperate with a WLF

compliance audit automatically forfeits its WLF recognition. Only recognized teams may participate in

WLF-sponsored leagues, post-season tournaments and other events.

Rule 4.0 Team Qualifications (Youth and High School)

4.1 All players must be members of US Lacrosse.

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4.2 All teams must have liability insurance. At a minimum, each team must have a liability insurance policy

through US Lacrosse. A league may arrange for additional insurance coverage for some or all of its teams.

4.3 A league or team may arrange for at least equivalent liability insurance coverage to US Lacrosse

requirements. All teams must provide WLF with a certificate of insurance at the time of team registration.

Rule 5.0 High School Seasons, Divisions, Playoffs and Championship

5.1 The boys high school seasons, divisions, playoffs and championships shall be conducted in accordance

with Appendix A. The WLF may grant an annual exemption of a co-op team from Division I, but only for the

purpose of providing students with opportunities to play lacrosse.

5.2 The girl’s high school seasons, divisions, playoffs and championships shall be conducted in accordance

with Appendix A.

Rule 6.0 High School Teams

6.1 Rostering

6.1.1 A high school team roster shall include only players who attend that high school. A co-op team

roster shall include only players who attend the high schools that are included in the co-op.

6.1.2 Exceptions

6.1.2.1 A high school or co-op team roster may include a player whose primary residence is in

the associated school district(s) and attends a virtual school or is home schooled. If that high

school or co-op team does not allow the player to roster, the player must roster for the high

school in the school district nearest his/her primary residence that allows him/her to play.

6.1.2.2 If a league recognizes a new team and in prior years a player was rostered on a pre-

existing team and the player is a senior in the first year of the new team’s existence, he/she

may roster on the pre-existing team if the boards of the two affected teams agree.

6.1.2.3 A player is ineligible for high school lacrosse if (a) he/she has played in four seasons

of high school lacrosse or (b) reaches the age of 19 prior to the August 1st before the upcoming

high school lacrosse season.

6.1.4 A team that violates these rostering rules may be required to forfeit all games played in which

an ineligible player was rostered.

6.2 Co-op Teams

6.2.1 A co-op team is a team with a roster that includes players from more than one high school.

6.2.2 The organization or reorganization of any co-op team must be approved by a league. A co-op

team that has not been approved by a league is not eligible for state playoffs.

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6.2.3 A conforming co-op team meets all of the following requirements.

6.2.3.1 May include only adjoining high school districts (plus any participating private high

schools).

6.2.3.2 May include no more than three high schools (public or private).

6.2.3.3 Total enrollment of the high schools included in the co-op may not exceed 4,500.

6.2.4 Any other co-op team is a non-conforming co-op team. A non-conforming co-op team that was

in existence during the last season is approved.

6.2.5 Each co-op team must file with a league an application for approval every January 1st. The

application shall identify the high schools that are proposed to participate in the co-op and whether the

co-op would be conforming of non-conforming. If the co-op would be non-conforming, the

application shall explain all of the reasons why it would be non-conforming and shall include a plan

for the co-op to become conforming. All applications shall include a plan for the co-op to be broken

up into individual school teams and eliminated.

6.2.6 Co-op teams shall be created and maintained solely for the purpose of providing opportunities

for youth to play lacrosse when they otherwise would lack such opportunities. Such teams may not be

created or maintained for the purpose of enhancing a team’s competitiveness. The WLF may remove

a high school from a co-op team if the WLF concludes that the high school is able to maintain its own

team. The WLF may also create or reorganize co-op teams if doing so will improve the opportunities

for youth to play lacrosse.

6.3 New Teams. At its option, a new high school team or co-op team may play at the junior varsity level for

up to two years, provided that the team has only enough players to field one team. If the team has enough

players to field two teams, one must play at the varsity level and one at the junior varsity level.

Rule 7.0 U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13 and U-15 Teams

7.1 Rostering

7.1.1 Geographic Eligibility. If the school that he/she attends sponsors a team, a player at any level of

play must play for that team. If there is no such team, or if the player attends a virtual school or is

home schooled, the player must play for a team organized by the club that offers lacrosse in the school

district of the player’s primary residence. If there is no such team, the player must play for the team

located nearest the player’s primary residence.

7.1.2 Age Eligibility. A player who is eligible to play on a U-15 team and attends high school must

play for the high school team. In the case where there is no HS team, as in an emerging lacrosse area,

the team can petition for a waiver from WLF, as long as it is accompanied by a plan to come into

compliance with this rule. WLF will maintain the priorities of safety and lacrosse growth in the state in

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determining the approval of any waiver. A player who attends 8th grade and is too old to play on a U-

15 team may petition the league for a waiver to play on a U-15 team.

7.1.3 Exceptions.

7.1.3.1 A league may grant exceptions to these requirements on a case-by-case basis in the

interest of the growth of the game and/or to address individual hardship. All exceptions must

be timely reported to, and are subject to review and decision by, the WLF.

7.1.3.2 A player who has played for a school, club or team during the last 2 (two) seasons and

would be prohibited by Rule 7.1.1 from continuing to play for that school, club or team may

continue to play for that school, club or team until he/she attends high school.

7.2 Multiple Teams. A program with multiple teams at the U-11, and/or U-13 levels must balance those

teams in terms of talent, experience and competitiveness for league play.

Rule 8.0 Gender Eligibility

8.1 WLF complies with the US Lacrosse Position Statement With Respect to Gender Classifications in

Lacrosse, dated January 2006.

8.2 A boy must play on a boys team.

8.3 Except as otherwise required by law, a girl must play on a girls team if her lacrosse organization has a

girls team at the appropriate age level. If her lacrosse organization does not have such a team, a girl may play

on an age-appropriate boys team, but she shall be strongly encouraged to play on the nearest age-appropriate

girls team.

Rule 9.0 [Repealed]

Rule 10.0 Coaches

10.1 High School Coaching Contacts With Players In Off-Season

10.1.1 Contacts. During the off-season (Monday of Week 50 to Sunday of Week 35), the coaching

staff of a team is allowed to have coaching contact with its team one day per week. Any contact by any

member of the coaching staff with any player counts as such a contact. Allowed contacts may not be

“banked” to be used on consecutive days in a week. Allowed contacts may not be used for team

tryouts. An additional 8 contact days will be allowed which do not need to be consecutive, but must be

used by December 31st.

10.1.2 Captain Practices. A member of a team’s coaching staff may be present during off-season

practices led by team captains, provided that:

10.1.2.1 The presence is required for safety and liability purposes; and

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10.1.2.2 The coaching staff member does not participate in any way in the conduct of the

practice.

10.1.3 Communication of Off-Season Opportunities.

Any WLF member coach involved in offseason coaching would be required to post their offering prior

to the deadline. No exceptions.

Deadlines to website administrator

May 1st – For June, July, August Offerings

August 1st – For September, October, November Offerings

November 1st – For December, January, February Offerings

Rule 11.0 Officials

11.1 Referees. A referee in any WLF-sanctioned game must be a member in good standing with the

Wisconsin Lacrosse Officials Association.

11.2 Umpires. An umpire in any WLF sanctioned game must be a member in good standing with a WLF

recognized local umpiring board.

Rule 12.0 Official Assignors (High School only)

12.1 Each league shall appoint either one assignor for boys and girls or one assignor for boys and one

assignor for girls. All officials for all games shall be assigned by the assignor(s).

12.2 Each league shall oversee the assignor(s) and ensure that the assignment of officials is fair and efficient

for teams and officials alike.

12.3 A league may replace an assignor in the event of resignation or for cause.

Rule 13.0 Games

13.1 Ejections. If any coach or player is ejected from a league or state tournament game (and, in the case of

a girls’ game, the ejection is for a red card), the coach or player is automatically suspended from the team’s

next league or state tournament game as then scheduled.

(the following rules apply to High School games only)

13.2 Home Team Responsibilities. The home team is responsible for compliance with US Lacrosse

recommendations and procedures including:

13.2.1 Pay officials’ fees at game’s end unless the team is subject to a voucher system.

13.2.2 Provide scorer’s table, scorekeeper, time clock, and timekeeper.

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13.2.3 Record the team rosters, official score, game time, and penalty minutes/cards by player.

13.2.4 Report game score in accordance with league procedures by 10:00 pm of day of game.

13.2.5 Send copy of official score sheet to visiting team.

13.2.6 Provide athletic trainer, first responder or a person who is CPR/AED certified.

13.3 Field Size. The leagues may authorize variances from NFHS rules for game field and restraining box

size and lining.

13.4 Scorekeeper Responsibilities

Boys’ Scorer’s Table Guidelines Girls’ Scorer’s Table Guidelines

13.5 Timekeeper Responsibilities

Boys’ Timekeeping Guidelines Girls’ Timekeeping Guidelines

13.6 Sideline Manager/Culture Keeper

13.6.1 For each game, each team shall appoint at least one person to serve as sideline manager

and shall identify such person(s) on the scoresheet. A team that does not comply with this rule

shall play the game subject to forfeit and/or other discipline as determined by the league or the

WLF.

13.6.2 Any person appointed as sideline manager shall be familiar with the US Lacrosse

Sideline Manager Job Description (Appendix D) and the Positive Coaching Alliance Role of

the Culture Keeper (Appendix E). If provided by the appointing team, the sideline manager

shall exhibit a form of identification.

13.6.3 Before the game the sideline managers shall confer with the officials to identify each

other and discuss mutual expectations and points of emphasis. The officials and sideline

managers shall also confer at half time to address any matters of concern.

13.6.4 Each team shall have at least one sideline manager present on the spectator sideline

during warm-ups, during the game and after the game for as long as a significant number of

spectators remain present. In addition, each team may have no more than one sideline manager

present on the bench sideline. A sideline manager on the bench sideline may also keep time or

score.

13.6.5 The sideline managers shall perform in good faith the duties set forth in Appendices D

and E. The sideline manager on the spectator sideline shall be primarily responsible for

monitoring his/her appointing team’s spectators. If the sideline manager observes

objectionable behavior by the other team’s spectators, he/she should bring it to the other

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sideline manager’s attention and give him/her the opportunity to intervene before intervening

himself/herself.

13.6.6 If after intervening and seeking the cessation of objectionable spectator behavior, the

sideline manager concludes in his/her best judgment that the behavior must be brought to the

officials’ attention, the sideline manager shall confer with an official at the next stoppage of

play. The officials shall then determine the appropriate action to be taken.

13.6.7 The coaching staff of each team shall be primarily responsible for maintaining the US

Lacrosse Keeper of the Game Project Core Values (Appendix F) on that team’s bench sideline.

If a sideline manager on the bench sideline observes objectionable behavior on a team’s bench,

he or she shall bring it to the attention of that team’s coaching staff. If after intervening and

seeking the cessation of objectionable behavior on a team’s bench the sideline manager

concludes in his/her best judgment that the behavior must be brought to the officials’ attention,

the sideline manager shall confer with an official at the next stoppage of play. The officials

shall then determine the appropriate action to be taken.

Rule 14.0 Concussion Policy

14.1 All teams must follow the WLF Concussion Policy included as Appendix B unless the team must also

comply with the concussion policy of its school district.

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APPENDIX A

WISCONSIN LACROSSE FEDERATION

HIGH SCHOOL SEASON

I. SEASON DATES

a. Earliest day for practice: WIAA Week 36

All teams must follow the WLF guidelines for player/coach out of season contact

A week is defined as SUUNDAY through SATURDAY

b. Earliest day for first competition allowed after 7 (seven) separate contact days. Competition is defined as an

event where a final score and timing are recognized in the outcome.

c. Teams can petition the WLF Executive Board to begin practices a maximum of one week earlier to

participate in out-of- state competition or for other special considerations.

d. The season will conclude with the State Championship Games: WIAA week 49

II. DIVISIONAL PLAY - STATE TOURNAMENT

a. Boys’ Varsity teams will be split into 2 (two) Divisions, Division I and Division II for state tournament play:

Division I - Teams with a combined enrollment of 1250 or more at the beginning of the current academic

year.

Division II- Teams with a combined enrollment of less than 1250 at the beginning of the current academic

year.

Combined enrollment is determined by a team’s current roster and participating high school(s) of the

players listed on that roster.

b. Teams may petition the WLF State Tournament Committee to play up a division but will not be allowed to play

down a division.

c. Teams will participate in regular season play in their established leagues; Bay Valley, MALA-Madison, Classic 8,

or as Independents.

III. PLAY-OFFS - Varsity teams only. (Must participate at the Varsity level for the full regular season)

a. Only teams recognized by WLF are eligible.

b. All-in playoff format, unless a head coach notifies the chair of the respective boys/girls state tournament seeding

committee by the third Saturday of May that their team does not wish to participate in the state tournament.

c. Sectionals

i. Boys’ Division I playoffs will be divided into four sectionals.

ii. Boys’ Division II will be divided into two sectionals.

iii. Girls will be divided into two sectionals.

iv. The sectionals will be based primarily on proximity and would strive to be balanced in power. An effort

will also be made to split up teams that play in the same conferences.

d. WLF State Tournament Committee will determine teams in each sectional prior to the season and seed those

teams within the sectional after the season is complete

e. Seeding and play-off brackets will be determined by WLF State Tournament Committee using Lax Power RPI

rankings as a resource

f. WLF State Tournament Committee will meet the day after the end of the regular season.

g. No WLF-sanctioned state-wide JV playoffs.

h. Last day for regular season games will be the Thursday of week 47.

i. Teams will participate in a WIAA style regional, sectional, state semi final, and final games

j. Lowest seeded team is the home team for playoff games through sectional finals, unless otherwise agreed by the

teams. [How is home team determined for state semifinals?]

k. Dates for playoffs:

BOYS’ DIVISION 1 o Tuesday of Week 48 First Round (Regional Finals)

o Thursday of Week 48 (Sectional Semifinals)

o Saturday of Week 48 (Sectional Finals)

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o Wednesday of Week 49 (State Semifinals)

o Saturday of Week 49 (State Championship)

BOYS’ DIVISION II o Thursday of Week 48 (Regional Finals)

o Saturday of Week 48 (Sectional Semifinals)

o Wednesday of Week 49 (Sectional Finals)

o Saturday of Week 49 (State Championship)

GIRLS DIVISION

o Thursday of Week 48 (Regional Finals)

o Saturday of Week 48 (Sectional Semifinals)

o Wednesday of Week 49 (Sectional Finals)

o Saturday of Week 49 (State Championship)

IV. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

a. Saturday of Week 49 – Boys’ Division II, Girls’ Division, Division I

b. No consolation games

V. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP VENUE

a. Venue will be determined by WLF State Tournament Committee and approved by the WLF Board of Directors.

b. Guidelines:

1. Stadium with sufficient seating

2. Lights

3. PA system

4. Artificial turf preferred but not required

5. Approval needed by WLF State Tournament Committee and WLF Board of Directors

6. Working scoreboard

7. Adequate staffing required by hosting site

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APPENDIX B

WISCONSIN LACROSSE FEDERATION

CONCUSSION POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to insure the safety of the players and to limit the liability of those protecting the safety of the players.

The responsibility of player safety falls on everyone involved in the game; coaches, officials, parents and the player. If you think a player has sustained a concussion…

IMMEDIATELY take him/her out of play, and seek the advice of an appropriate health care professional (AHP) experienced in evaluating for concussion.

WLF: A player who displays symptoms of concussion and/or is rendered unconscious

may not return to practice or competition without written approval of an AHP.

NFHS Rule: Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or

balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an AHP.

Note: WIAA Sports Medical Advisory Council identifies a physician and licensed

athletic trainer (LAT) under the direct supervision of a physician as an appropriate

health care professional for determining return to play.

Return to Play Protocol: Each level should take 24 hours with the athlete asymptomatic (symptom free) before moving to the next level in the progression. If

any symptoms occur during the progression, the athlete should drop back to the previous level and try to complete that level after a 24 hour rest period. The

progression levels are listed below:

No activity with complete physical and cognitive rest Light aerobic exercise (less than 70% of maximum heart rate)

Sport specific exercise (drills specific to athlete’s sport)

Non-contact training drills (more intense sport drills with no contact from other players)

Full contact practice (following medical clearance) Return to play (normal game play)

“When in doubt, sit them out.”

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a. WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost. The potential for concussions is greatest at the higher levels of play where collisions can occur. HOWEVER, concussions

can occur at any level of lacrosse, boys and girls. As many as 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Coaches play a key role in helping to prevent concussion and in managing it properly if it occurs.

Adolescents have been shown to have a slower recovery rate from concussion when compared to adult/professional athletes.

Female athletes have been shown to have a higher risk of concussion than male athletes.

b. SIGNS OF CONCUSSIONS WHICH MAY BE OBSERVED BY COACHES,

PARENTS, AND OTHERS

Appears dazed or stunned Is confused about assignments Forgets plays Unsure of game, score, or opponent

Moves clumsily

Answers questions slowly Loss of consciousness Displays behavior or personality change Can't recall events prior to or after injury.

c. SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION WHICH THE ATHLETE SHOULD RECOGNIZE

AND REPORT

Some Signs and Symptoms of Concussion:

Unaware of game period, opposition, or score of a game

Confusion Memory loss/amnesia Loss of consciousness Headache Balance problems or dizziness Nausea or vomiting Feeling “stunned,” “dinged,” “foggy,” or “dazed” Visual problems (e.g., seeing stars, double vision)

Ringing in the ears Irritability or emotional changes Slow to answer questions or follow directions Vacant stare/Glassy eyed Slurred speech Inappropriate playing behavior (e.g., running the

wrong direction) Significantly decreasing playing ability Sensitivity to light and noise Trouble sleeping Poor concentration Poor memory

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d. SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND

MANAGEMENT OF CONCUSSION & HEAD TRAUMA IN SPORTS

Head trauma is a common problem in sports, and it has the potential for serious complications if not managed correctly. Even what appears to be a brief “bell ringer” with no loss of consciousness has the real risk of catastrophic results in an athlete that is returned to action too soon. Both the medical literature and lay media frequently report on dangerous complications of concussion: post-concussion syndrome, and second impact syndrome. There is also a rising concern regarding the number of concussions an athlete can sustain before causing damage to the brain. Scientific proof of this concern and its consequences are not available at this time.

At many athletic contests across the country, there is a lack of trained and knowledgeable individuals managing concussed athletes. Frequently, there is undo pressure from various sources (parents, player, and coach) to return a valuable athlete to action as quickly as possible. In addition, often athletes are unwilling to report headaches and other findings that he/she feels may be related to a concussion, because they fear this will prevent them from playing and be seen as “weak” by teammates and coaches.

The National Federation of State School Associations (NFHS) recommends that the WLF distribute information to coaches, teams, clubs and parents, so that persons making sideline decisions regarding athletes may benefit from the latest knowledge regarding concussion and head injury. Below are some guidelines and information that may be helpful in establishing a protocol within your team and club. Please remember, these are general guidelines and must not be used in place of the central role that a physician and licensed athletic trainer must play in protecting the health and safety of student athletes.

Concussion – a complex process affecting the brain induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. Several common features may be utilized in helping to define a concussion:

1. Concussion may be caused by either a direct blow to the head, face, or neck, or an indirect blow elsewhere on the body with forces transmitted to the head. 2. Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic functioning. This may resolve spontaneously. 3. Concussion may produce significant symptoms, but imaging studies (CAT scan) are normal; this is because concussion is a functional disturbance, not necessarily a structural injury to the brain.

4. Concussion results in a graded set of clinical symptoms. Loss of consciousness and amnesia (memory loss) may or may not be present, but if present they may not indicate anything about severity of the injury. Resolution of the symptoms will usually follow a typical course. 5. It is important to remember that young athletes still have a developing brain, and therefore may need a longer time to recover from a concussive injury than an adult athlete.

Athletes with a history of concussion should have a yearly Pre-participation Physical Exam. There should be a focus on their neurologic exam and specific questions to help truly assess concussion frequency and severity, as many athletes may not recognize concussions they may have had in the past. This history may “pre-identify” those athletes who will fit into the Complex Concussion category. It also gives the opportunity for a physician to educate the athlete & his/her family regarding the significance of concussion.

Recently, the old concussion grading scales (grade I-III) have been abandoned in favor of a new classification:

i. Simple Concussion:

This is an injury that will progressively resolve without complication in less than 10 days. In such cases, limitation of activity while symptomatic is the only necessary intervention, and the athlete will typically resume sports without further problems. This is the most common form of concussion and can be appropriately managed by primary care physicians and licensed athletic trainers working under medical supervision. The cornerstone of management is rest until all symptoms resolve, and then a slow, progressive program of activity before return to sport.

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ii. Complex Concussion:

These are cases where athletes suffer persistent symptoms (including recurrence of symptoms with exertion), specific signs (prolonged loss of consciousness >1 minute, amnesia), or prolonged cognitive impairment following the injury. This group should also include athletes who suffer multiple concussions over time or where repeated concussions occur with less impact force. This group 64 should be managed with the help of a physician specialist who has specific expertise in concussion, such as a sports medicine physician, a neurologist, or a neurosurgeon.

iii. Concussion Management

Sideline evaluation of cognitive function is essential. Symptoms can worsen over time, so athletes must be reassessed throughout the contest or practice. The appearance of symptoms may be delayed several hours, so it is imperative to speak with a family member of the athlete to educate them so the athlete will be watched closely and evaluated after the event. If a family member is not present, then coach, sideline manager or other team official is responsible for finding someone who will be able to assess the athlete after the event. Calling emergency services is always indicated if symptoms worsen. Cell phones are a must for athletics today! The athlete should have an appointment with their physician for follow-up. Acute injury – when a player shows ANY signs or symptoms of concussion:

1. The player should not be allowed to return to play in that game or practice. 2. The player should not be left alone, and regular monitoring for deterioration is essential over

the initial few hours after the injury. 3. The player should be medically evaluated following the injury prior to return to play. 4. Return to play must follow a medically supervised stepwise process. 5. A player should never return to play while symptomatic: WHEN IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT!

The return to play process for a simple concussion usually takes one week, unless the athlete has a return of symptoms. If symptoms arise during any of the steps in the return to play protocol, the athlete should stop and be evaluated by a physician. Usually, athletes are advanced one step every 24 hours.

1. Complete rest until the athlete is 100% symptom free. 2. The athlete may progress to light aerobic exercise (walking, stationary biking) without

resistance training. 3. Sport-specific exercise can begin the next day (skating in hockey, running in soccer, etc.). 4. The athlete may begin non-contact training drills, as well as light resistance training. 5. After medical clearance, the athlete may participate in full contact practice. 6. Game play.

In cases of recurrent and/or complex concussion, the rehabilitation will be more prolonged. These athletes should be managed by a physician with experience in dealing with concussions. It is important for coaches and athletes to communicate with teachers, as a concussed athlete may require “cognitive rest.” This is essentially a limitation or special accommodations given for scholastic activities while symptomatic. Just like physical exertion, too much mental exertion may flare symptoms. This

also includes potentially limiting television and video game time at home. Any concussed athlete should NOT take any pain relief medications (even ibuprofen) during their return to play program, as these medications can modify concussion symptoms. Athletes on pain relievers should see a physician for final clearance. In addition, any athlete taking antidepressant medication should see a physician for final clearance, as these medications may also modify concussive symptoms. Any medications started in the recovery period to help reduce headache and post-concussion syndrome symptoms need to be stopped prior to final clearance.

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e. OTHER ISSUES

Prevention – Players are required to wear protective equipment which fits correctly. Coaches are required to teach proper lacrosse techniques and use of protective equipment. Rules will be closely followed and enforced by officials, players and coaching staff.

Education – The ability to treat and reduce the effects of concussive injury after the event are minimal. Education of athletes, parents, coaches, sports medicine staff, and emergency service

personnel is very important. Education should include the importance of:

1. Honest reporting of symptoms by the athlete 2. Assessment of those symptoms by a medical professional 3. Return to play protocols and decision making process

f.

USLACROSSE RESOURCES

The Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation and USLacrosse Certified Officials Trainers have access to a training DVD regarding concussions. Any team, club or league may request a loan of this DVD for training purposes.

USLacrosse also offers free Tool Kits on Concussions from the CDC, and other resources. Please visit:

USLacrosse Concussion Awareness

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APPENDIX C

WISCONSIN LACROSSE FEDERATION

COACHES’ QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS POLICY – HIGH SCHOOL AND YOUTH, BOYS AND GIRLS

ORIGINALLY ADOPTED IN 2007, REVISED APRIL 22, 2012

All coaches involved with Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation (WLF) sanctioned programs must be members of US Lacrosse, with their membership valid through June 30 of the given season; must be of good standing with US Lacrosse, WLF and the Wisconsin Lacrosse Coaches Association; and their local league.

Within 16 months of the first game coached, every coach, of every team, must be "Certified". "Certified" is defined as having obtained at least US Lacrosse CEP Level 1 Certification, which includes completion of the following requirements, applying to US Lacrosse, for certification and successful completion of the US Lacrosse background check :

1. US Lacrosse Level 1 CEP on-line course & test completion 2. US Lacrosse Level 1 CEP workshop attendance 3. PCA Double Goal Coach 1 workshop attendance or on-line

Every first-year coach, and those within the first sixteen (16) months of coaching, must be "Qualified" prior to the start of their season. "Qualified" is defined as meeting the following qualifications:

1. completing the US Lacrosse CEP Level 1 on-line test AND 2. completing the PCA Double Goal Coach 1 workshop (live or on line)

In every game, each team must have at least one coach in the coaching box that meets the applicable minimum qualifications outlined by this policy, for either “Certified” or “Qualified”. Every coach that is in the coaches’ box must at a minimum be “Qualified” as outlined above. Failure to comply with this policy will result in WLF sanctions. All coaching certifications will be tracked and compiled annually for requirement compliance and enforcement as directed by WLF.