Free Baseline Concussion Testing for All Ranger Players
Concussions are on the rise in youth soccer, and, unfortunately, even one concussion can have a huge impact on a player’s health and quality of life. Over the past few months, the Technical Staff and the Board of Directors have been discussing how the Club can help our parents and players learn more about concussion prevention and treatment. The Club is excited to announce that WFC Rangers will be partnering with Optometric Physicians Northwest (OPNW) this upcoming season to offer free baseline concussion testing to all of our players. OPNW is a leader in our community in concussion education and sports therapy, and this clinic uses the scientifically-validated King Devick Test to evaluate a suspected head injury and determine if an athlete should be removed from play and assessed by a medical professional.
Once you have a King Devick baseline test on file and experience a head injury, you can be tested again to determine if you have a suspected concussion. If your King Devick Test results are not passing, there will be steps to take to monitor your recovery and get your player back on the pitch. Completing the baseline test takes only 5 minutes – so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Again, this test is free to all Ranger players – the Club is paying the small test fee required by King Devick for each player, and staff at OPNW are administering the test at no charge to the Club. Thanks to Dr. Amy Bearden and OPNW for partnering with WFC Rangers to help keep our players safe.
Optometric Physicians Northwest (located at 2222 James Street) will be open on Saturday, April 21th from 10 am-1 pm for free baseline testing for our high school boys’ teams. The clinic will be open on Saturday, May 19th from 9 am to 1 pm for all other players. Staff from OPNW will also be available at the Baker Blast Tournament to administer the baseline test. Again, please take 5 minutes to have this important baseline test done.
Sabina Gouran, Ranger parent and Vision Therapist (OPNW), has generously volunteered to coordinate this project for the Club. If you have any questions, please contact her at eyedocsnw@hotmail.com.
