Removal-from-Sport Protocol
The following outlines a process for immediate removal of an athlete who is suspected of having sustained a concussion. For the purpose of this Protocol, “athlete” shall mean any individual taking part in a Baseball Ontario that includes an SSMBA sanctioned activity, including athletes, coaches, umpires and volunteers.
1. Remove the athlete
Designated person(s) to immediately remove the athlete from further training, practice or games if the athlete has sustained a concussion or is suspected of having sustained a concussion regardless of whether the concussion or suspected concussion was sustained from an activity associated with Baseball Ontario or SSMBA;
2. Call 9-1-1 if Emergency
Designated person(s) to call 9-1-1 if in their opinion, doing so is necessary (e.g., if there is an emergency and any red flag signs and/or symptoms appear).
3. Inform
If the athlete is younger than 18 years of age, Designated person(s) to inform the athlete’s parent or guardian about the removal from further training, practice, or games.
Designated person(s) to advise the athlete, or the parent or guardian if the athlete is younger than 18 years of age, that the athlete is required to undergo a medical assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner before the athlete will be permitted to return to training, practice, or games.
4. Give Protocols
Designated person(s) to provide the athlete or, if the athlete is younger than 18 years of age, the athlete’s parent or guardian Baseball Ontario Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocols as soon as possible after the athlete has been removed from further training, practice, or games.
5. Record the Incident
Make and keep a record of incidents where an athlete is removed from further training, practice, or games because they are suspected of having sustained a concussion regardless of whether the athlete is later diagnosed with a concussion.
6. Returning to Training, Practice or Games
Once removed, the athlete is not permitted to return to training, practice, or games, except in accordance with Baseball Ontario Return-to-Sport protocol.