{"id":1177,"date":"2025-04-25T15:12:04","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T14:12:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/vwh\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1177"},"modified":"2025-04-25T15:13:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T14:13:35","slug":"new-concussion-protocol-and-medical-suspension-policy","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/vwh\/news\/new-concussion-protocol-and-medical-suspension-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"New Concussion Protocol and Medical Suspension Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n<section class=\"full-width-text py-5\">\r\n    <div class=\"container\">\r\n        <div class=\"row\">\r\n            <div class=\"col-lg-10 mx-auto\">\r\n                <div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">The Pony Club has recently updated its\u00a0<\/span>Concussion Protocol and Medical Suspension Policy\u00a0to make sure that every Member is protected and supported following any suspected or confirmed concussion. These changes are based on the latest UK-wide guidelines and are designed to give young riders the time and care they need to fully recover before getting back in the saddle.<\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>Why this matters:<\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">Concussion can be subtle and isn\u2019t always immediately obvious. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, mood changes, and trouble thinking clearly. Even a fall that doesn\u2019t involve a direct hit to the head can still cause a concussion. Young people are especially vulnerable \u2014 they take longer to recover and are more at risk of serious complications if they return to activity too soon. The Pony Club has clear steps in place to manage concussion carefully and responsibly.<\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>What you need to know:<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>\u00a0Even a suspicion is treated seriously<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">If a concussion is suspected, your child will be stopped from riding until they\u2019ve been properly assessed by a doctor. A suspicion is enough to act, Volunteers and Officials are advised to err on the side of caution.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>\u00a0There\u2019s a 21-day minimum suspension<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your child is diagnosed with concussion, your child will not be able to take part in\u00a0<i>any<\/i>\u00a0Pony Club activities involving riding or handling horses during this time. This suspension may be extended if symptoms persist.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>\u00a0Medical evidence may be required<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">If the doctor is confident your child is well, they can return \u2014 but written medical evidence will be required.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>All incidents must be reported<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whether it happened at a Pony Club event or somewhere else (like school or during another sport), it\u2019s important to let us know if your child has had an accident that may have resulted in a concussion. This helps us track recovery properly and ensures they aren\u2019t at risk by returning too soon.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u00a0You\u2019ll be kept informed<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once a concussion is reported, you\u2019ll receive an email confirming your child\u2019s suspension period. This is logged on their Pony Club Pelham record. You\u2019ll also be given a\u00a0Concussion Advice Form\u00a0with care tips and signs to watch for at home.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><strong>How can you help:<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Please monitor your child closely for the first 24\u201348 hours after any fall or knock to the head.<\/li>\n<li>Encourage plenty of rest \u2014 screen time, and strenuous activity should be kept to a minimum.<\/li>\n<li>Let your Branch DC know about any injuries or concerns, even if they didn\u2019t happen at Pony Club.<\/li>\n<li>If your child feels \u201coff\u201d after a fall, encourage them to speak up \u2014 honesty helps protect their health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">Our priority is your child\u2019s wellbeing. No competition or ride is ever worth risking long-term health. Thank you for your support in helping us keep Pony Club a safe and supportive place, for everyone.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">If you have any questions or need support, please contact our Safety Team at\u00a0<a id=\"OWA54a88b90-0932-2cc1-e2dd-66a8932d5098\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"mailto:Safety@pcuk.org\" href=\"mailto:Safety@pcuk.org\" data-linkindex=\"0\">Safety@pcuk.org<\/a>, or speak to your Branch DC or Centre Proprietor.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\">You can find further details here:\u00a0<u><a id=\"OWA8930514c-0783-38b9-4e0c-edf2c571b9eb\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/resources.pcuk.org\/concussion_guidance\/concussion_rule_guidance\/\" href=\"https:\/\/resources.pcuk.org\/concussion_guidance\/concussion_rule_guidance\/\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"1\">Concussion Rules and Guidance | Resource Hub<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><\/div>\n                                                                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/branches.pcuk.org\/vwh\/news\/new-concussion-protocol-and-medical-suspension-policy\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from New Concussion Protocol and Medical Suspension Policy<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","tags":[],"class_list":["post-1177","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - 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