1. Stop the match.

2. Summon help.

3. Inform the coach that a head injury occurred.

4. If the player is reentering the match, ask if the player has been cleared by a healthcare professional.

5. If the answer is no, do not allow the entry. If the coach protests, remind the coach that the referee has the authority to terminate the match. If the coach persists, terminate the match.

6. If the answer is yes, request a copy of the clearance that can be filed with the match report to the league. This could be as simple as a phone photo! Then allow the re-entry. If no clearance can be provided, then do not allow the entry.

If the coach protests, remind the coach that the referee has the authority to terminate the match. If the coach persists, terminate the match.

7. Should a team official notice such an incident, they need to get the attention of the referee immediately so that the protocol can be followed.

8. Referees are reminded that a USSF report must be filed for any serious injury and any game that does not reach its natural conclusion. Any incident involving hard head contact is deemed to be a serious injury. Reports of this nature are critical and must be filed on the evening of the match with the League Coordinator.

 

More reading: US Soccer Recognize to Recover