Club Sports

For individual questions about each Club please visit the Directory.

All other inquires can be directed to Angela Michael, Associate Director.

Recreational Sports and Fitness Services at Michigan State University plans to address the concern with head injuries/concussions amongst athletes involved with Club and Intramural Sports.  The concussion management plan will include how to prepare for, recognize, and address concussions among recreational sport athletes.

We will accomplish this task by requiring our intramural supervisors, and club presidents to complete an online training course and maintain competency through the ongoing review of educational material.  The individuals that complete the training will have the authority to remove participants from competition, monitor their condition, recommend referral care, and call for emergency medical care.  Instances of suspected concussions will be documented through the IPad injury report IM Supervisors will have at each game.

With regard to return to activity, it is the responsibility of the athlete to obtain the proper follow up care.  This includes visiting a healthcare professional to determine when fully recovered.  For IM sports, athletes must obtain a note from a physician clearing them before they can return to activity. 

Intramural Sports

1. Staff:
   1. Heads Up Concussion training is accepted by the Michigan Department of Community Health.  The concussion training is free and requires the individual to print a certificate to show they completed the training.
   2. Intramural Supervisors (January 2017)
   3. Staff supervision by a IM supervisor is required for all IM competitions
   4. Kyle Newood MA, AT, ATC will be on site or on call for IM competitions

2. Published Information:
   1. The concussion management plan will also be located on the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services web page.
   2. The assumption of risk information will also be located on the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services web page.

Concussion Information

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury altering brain functions typically for a temporary amount of time. 

How does a concussion occur?

A concussion can occur from any hit to the body or head. A concussion typically occurs when a forceful blow results in rapid head movement leading to brain function alterations.

Signs and Symptoms of a concussion can include (can occur immediately or hours later):

- Headache
- Dizziness, lightheaded
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dazed, glazed appearance
- Lack of coordination or balance
- Feeling of being in a fog
- Emotional changes (e.g., both happy and sad)
- Amnesia (memory loss either after the event and/or prior to the     event)
- Slowed response time (verbal or physical)
- Disorientation, confusion
- Altered vision (e.g., blurry vision or double vision)
- Dilated or unequal pupils
- Sensitivity to light
- Auditory changes (e.g., sensitivity to sound, ringing in the ears)
- Difficulty concentrating, recalling information

What should I do if I suspect I, or someone else, have sustained a concussion?

Stop activity, tell someone, and seek further medical attention.

Who at Recreational Sports and Fitness Services can I contact?

You can contact the Athletic Trainer, IM Supervisor, or an IM official. As of January 2017, all IM Supervisors are to have completed the Heads Up concussion training. The athletic trainer will have the most knowledge on the management of concussions.  Not all of these individuals have the authority to diagnose a concussion, but they all have the authority to withhold athletes from play if a concussion is suspected.

Where can I go for Medical Attention?

Follow up care and clearance from a physician can be achieved at the following locations:

Olin Health Center:

463 E Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824

(517) 353-4660

MSU Sports Medicine

4660 South Hagadorn Road
Suite 420
East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 884-6100 

When can I return to competition?

You may return to competition once you have provided a note from a physician clearing you for full participation.  It is your responsibility to provide this physician note from a MD, DO, PA, or NP.  Another Athletic Trainer cannot clear you for participation.  You must provide the IM Supervisor the physician note if the Athletic Trainer is covering at another location.  If any symptoms return, it is important that you notify a health care professional for further care.

Club Sports

1. Staffing requirements:
   1. New club sports president meeting
      1. Mandatory for all presidents where athletic trainer will introduce himself and detail concussions
   2. Heads up Concussion training which is accepted by the Michigan Department of Community Health.  The concussion training is free and requires the individual to print a certificate to show they completed the training.
   3. Club team president(September 2017)
   4. Kyle Newood MA, AT, ATC will be on site or on call for home club competitions.
2. Brain Check Sport
   1. High risk club sports must complete baseline concussion testing before their season starts competition
   2. The athletic trainer will hold baseline concussion testing days at the start of the fall semester every year. If a player is added in the middle of the semester or during the spring semester, it is the responsibility of the athlete to meet with the athletic trainer to complete the baseline test.
   3. The six teams that will be tested are:
      1. Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse
      2. Men’s and Women’s Rugby
      3. Men’s and Women’s Soccer
   4. If an athlete on one of the teams listed above is diagnosed with a concussion, they must re-take the test and test at their baseline level or better.
   5. After the athlete tests at their baseline level, they will complete a 5-day return to play protocol.

3. Published Information
   1. The concussion management plan will also be located on the Recreational Sports and Fitness Services web page.

Concussion Information

Recreational Sports and Fitness Services at Michigan State University requires that its members be aware of the risks associated with head injuries and concussions.  It is the duty of the Athletic Trainer, club team president, and club sport athletes to serve a role in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of concussions.  Information is provided below to assist with head injuries and concussions.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury altering brain functions typically for a temporary amount of time. 

How does a concussion occur?

A concussion can occur from any hit to the body or head. A concussion typically occurs when a forceful blow results in rapid head movement leading to brain function alterations.

Signs and Symptoms of a concussion can include (can occur immediately or hours later):

- Headache
- Dizziness, lightheaded
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dazed, glazed appearance
- Lack of coordination or balance
- Feeling of being in a fog
- Emotional changes (e.g., both happy and sad)
- Amnesia (memory loss either after the event and/or prior to the     event)
- Slowed response time (verbal or physical)
- Disorientation, confusion
- Altered vision (e.g., blurry vision or double vision)
- Dilated or unequal pupils
- Sensitivity to light
- Auditory changes (e.g., sensitivity to sound, ringing in the ears)
- Difficulty concentrating, recalling information

What should I do if I suspect I, or someone else, have sustained a concussion?

Stop activity, tell someone, and seek further medical attention.

Who at Recreational Sports and Fitness Services can I contact?

You can contact the Athletic Trainer or club team president.  As of September, 2017, all club presidents and one other team member are to have completed the Heads Up concussion training. The athletic trainer will have the most knowledge on the management of concussions.  Not all of these individuals have the authority to diagnose a concussion, but they all have the authority to withhold athletes if a concussion is suspected.

Where can I go for medical attention?

Follow up care and clearance from a physician can be achieved at the following locations:

Olin Health Center:

463 E Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824

(517) 353-4660

MSU Sports Medicine

4660 South Hagadorn Road
Suite 420
East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 884-6100

 When can I return to competition?

While you may be held out of competition by the Athletic Trainer and club sport president, it is ultimately your responsibility to refrain from competition until symptoms are resolved.  It is important to work with a health care professional to determine a return to play criteria.  If any symptoms return, it is important that for you seek further care from a health care professional.