Health and Safety: Concussion Protocol - Futsal Champions Series

FCS Concussion Protocol

(Applies to both FCS Men’s and Women’s League and FCS Futures Youth League)

Any player showing signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as

headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, balance issues, amnesia, or “having

their bell rung”) shall be immediately removed from play by the referee, coach, or league official.

When in doubt, the player sits out.

A player removed for a suspected concussion is not permitted to return to any league activity

that day, even if symptoms appear to resolve.

The player (or parent/guardian for minors) must have the player evaluated by a licensed

healthcare professional experienced in concussion management.

Any player who has been removed from play because a concussion is suspected —

regardless of whether a formal diagnosis of concussion is ultimately made — may not

return to any Futsal Champions Series practice, game, scrimmage, or training session until the

league receives written clearance from a licensed healthcare professional (MD, DO, PA, NP, or

ATC) stating the player is asymptomatic and may return to full participation.

After written clearance is received, the player must complete the following 6-stage protocol.

Each stage requires a minimum of 24 hours and the player must remain completely

symptom-free to advance.

Stage	Activity Objective	Permitted Activities
1	Symptom-limited activity	Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms
2	Light aerobic exercise	Walking, stationary bike ≤70% max heart rate; no resistance
3	Sport-specific exercise	Running drills, ball control; no heading or contact
4	Non-contact training drills	Progression of intensity & coordination; light weights ok
5	Full-contact practice	Normal training activities after final medical clearance
6	Return to full game play	Normal competitive play

Youth players (under 18): Minimum 6 days total.

Adult players: May progress faster only with medical approval; stages may not be combined or skipped.

A Concussion Incident Report will be completed at the time of removal. Copies of the written

medical clearance and completed RTP progression will be kept on file by the league.

This protocol complies with CDC HEADS UP guidelines, all applicable state

youth-concussion laws, U.S. Soccer Recognize to Recover program, the U.S. Center for

SafeSport, and the requirements of Sadler Sports & Recreation Insurance and other

major amateur sports carriers.