Commitment to Safety

3DL Basketball is dedicated to prioritizing the health and safety of all participants. To enhance awareness and understanding of concussion risks, we provide comprehensive information on our website and at event locations for parents, guardians, players, and referees. This includes details on recognizing concussion symptoms and adhering to our return-to-play protocols. Additionally, all 3DL Basketball Site Directors are required to complete mandatory training on concussion recognition and management to ensure a safe environment for all athletes.

Concussion Identification and Immediate Action

Any athlete exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion—such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance issues—will be immediately removed from play for a minimum of 24 hours, as required by Missouri’s Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act. The athlete may not return to participation until they have been evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and have received written clearance to return to competition.

Compliance with Missouri State Law

In accordance with Missouri’s Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act, signed into law on July 13, 2011, 3DL Basketball adheres to strict policies for managing concussion and brain injuries in youth sports. The law mandates three key components:

• Education: Leagues and teams must provide pre-season information and education to parents, coaches, administrators, and players about the dangers of concussions, how to recognize symptoms, and how to promote healthy recovery.

• Immediate Removal: Any youth athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury during a practice or game must be removed from competition immediately and for at least 24 hours.

• Return-to-Play Clearance: The athlete may not return to competition until evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management and cleared in writing to resume play.

Return-to-Play Policy

If an athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury, they will be promptly removed from the game or practice and sidelined for at least 24 hours. To return to play, the athlete’s parent or guardian must provide a written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion evaluation and management to the 3DL Basketball Site Director. This ensures compliance with Missouri state law and prioritizes the athlete’s safety and recovery.

Ongoing Education and Support

3DL Basketball is committed to fostering a safe and informed environment. We provide educational materials to all stakeholders, as mandated by Missouri law, to ensure awareness of concussion risks and proper management protocols. We encourage parents, guardians, and participants to review our concussion policies and contact our administrative team with any questions or concerns regarding player safety.

3DL Basketball Concussion Policy and Return-to-Play Procedure

Resource

For Parents/Guardians

What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?
1. Seek medical attention.
2. Keep your child out of play. A child may NOT return to play until a professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon risk a greater chance of having a second concussion.
3. If your child is playing any other sport and has a coach, tell your child’s coach about any recent concussions.

For Athletes

What should I do if I think I have a concussion?
1. Tell your parents (and your coach if you have one). Never ignore a blow to the head, even if you feel fine.
2. Get a medical check-up. A doctor can tell you if you have a concussion and when it is safe for you to return to play.
3. Give yourself time to get better. Your brain needs time to heal.

For Site Directors/Refs

All Concussions are serious. To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things simultaneously among athletes:
1. A forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.
2. Any change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Concussion Training

ThIs video training through the CDC will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
1. Follow this link and complete the online training.
2. When you complete the training module, enter your name and date on the Certificate of Completion and save a copy.
3. Email your Certificate of Completion to 3DLbasketball@gmail.com
4. Repeat the online training at least every 3 years.