Players come first

ATHLETE
SAFETY.

Safety information for California youth basketball families, plus direct ways to get help.

Updated September 10, 2026

Concussion & cardiac safety

If a concussion is suspected, remove the athlete from play immediately. They must stay out for the rest of that day and until cleared by a healthcare provider. Do not try to diagnose the injury yourself. Read CDC HEADS UP guidance.

After a head or body impact, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion, or difficulty waking are emergency danger signs. Call 911 or go to an emergency department immediately. See CDC danger signs and emergency guidance.

Fainting or passing out during activity requires immediate removal from play for the rest of that day, medical evaluation, and written clearance from an appropriately trained licensed healthcare provider before return. For collapse or an unresponsive person, call 911 immediately. If the person is unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping, begin CPR and have someone retrieve an AED. Follow emergency-dispatch instructions and the AED’s prompts. American Heart Association emergency guidance.

California youth sports law requires covered programs to distribute concussion and sudden-cardiac-arrest information annually and obtain the required signatures before practice or competition. Return after suspected concussion or fainting requires appropriate written medical clearance; a diagnosed concussion also requires a supervised graduated return lasting at least seven days. Ask Splash Bay for the current information sheets and clearance process for your program. California Health and Safety Code §124235.

Safeguarding young athletes

Children should be able to ask for help and raise concerns about any adult or teammate. Bullying, hazing, discrimination, harassment, abuse, sexual misconduct, and retaliation are unacceptable. See the code of conduct.

Keep a parent or guardian included in communications involving minors. Avoid secret messages, private requests for photos, and unapproved rides or meetings. Ask the program leader about observable interactions, supervision, pickup arrangements, and how concerns involving that leader can be reported externally.

California law requires covered youth service organizations to implement abuse-prevention and reporting policies and specified training and background checks. Ask Splash Bay about the safeguards in place for your program. This page does not certify a person’s training, screening, or affiliation. California Business and Professions Code §18975.

Report a concern

Program concerns and complaints

Contact Chris at hartley@thesplashbay.com or 310-699-8346. Begin with a brief description and a safe way to contact you. Avoid sensitive records or detailed allegations in an initial email. These channels are not emergency services and cannot promise anonymity. If your concern involves this contact, use the external reporting route above where appropriate.

Prepare for every session

Confirm the venue, emergency access, designated session leader, AED location, and pickup plan. Tell staff promptly about an injury or feeling unwell; athletes should not be pressured to play through symptoms. Ask how heat, air quality, weather, hydration breaks, and canceled sessions are handled.

This is general safety information, not an individual medical assessment or a substitute for the program’s emergency action plan. A qualified healthcare professional must make medical and return-to-play decisions.