I will help prevent concussions by:

• Using the proper equipment for my sport for its intended purpose.

• Ensuring that my training, practice or competition environment is safe. Meaning the equipment is secured and the proper matting is in place.

• Developing my skills and strength so that I can participate to the best of my ability.

• Respecting the rules of my sport or activity.

• *My commitment to fair play and respect for all*, including other athletes, coaches, program coordinators and officials I will care for my health and safety by taking concussions seriously, and I understand that:

• A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.

• A blow to my head, face or neck may cause a concussion

• A blow to the body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull may cause a concussion.

• I don’t need to lose consciousness to sustain a concussion.

• *I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self- reporting of possible concussion and reporting to a designated person when an individual suspects that another individual may have sustained a concussion.* If I think I have a concussion I should stop participating in training, practice or competition immediately. I should tell an adult if I think another athlete has a concussion.

• Continuing to participate in training, practice or competition with a possible concussion increases my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other injuries. I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others.

• I will not hide my symptoms. I will tell a coach, program coordinator, parent or another adult I trust if I experience any concussion symptoms.

• If someone else tells me about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a concussion, I will tell a coach, program coordinator, parent or another adult I trust so they can help.

• I understand that if I have a suspected or diagnosed concussion, I will be removed from sport and that I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until I have been medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.

• *I have a commitment to sharing any pertinent information regarding incidents of removal from sport with the athlete’s school, and any other sport organization with which the athlete has registered.* If I am diagnosed with a concussion, I will let all of my coaches and teachers know about my injury in order to help them support me while I recover. I will take the time I need to recover, because it is important for my health.

• *I understand my commitment to supporting the return-to-sport process* and I will follow the Catalyst Gymnastics Return-to-Sport Protocol.

• I will respect my coaches, program coordinators, parents, health-care professionals, medical doctors and nurse practitioners, regarding my health and safety.