With pre-season training for winter sports commencing, it is a relevant time to discuss sports related head injuries and consider what can be done to prevent or minimize the impact a concussion injury has on an athlete. In the medical world, a concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury.

Concussions occur not only from direct contact of the head with a solid object but also when indirect forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull such as a fall on the buttocks or a whiplash injury. Contrary to popular belief, you can sustain a concussion without losing consciousness.

Common symptoms of concussion include headaches, memory and concentration dif- ficulty, decreased balance and coordination, drowsiness, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity. The ability to perform normal activities with the same speed, reaction time and precision as prior to the injury is often significantly altered. When managed appropriately most signs and symptoms are temporary and resolve within seven to 10 days, however complications can occur including prolonged duration of symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury. There is also growing concern about the po- tential long-term consequences of multiple concussions.

The brain needs time to heal and rest after a concussion. This includes rest from both physical activity and cognitive loads. Returning to sport too early increases the chances of another concussion.

It is worth considering performing baseline testing such as a SCAT-3 or King Devick Test in the pre-season to establish a bench- mark offering comparison when an athlete has sustained a concussion. This helps determine when they are ready to return to sport.

The third NSW Barefoot Championship held at the Forbes Aquatic Centre last weekend was a fabulous success with 43 competitors.

Locals Jono Collits, Tas Spackman, Tom Morrison, Joff King, Tim Burke, Angus King and Jim Cronin wowed their family and friends with their skill. “It is so great bare- footing to a home crowd,” said Tom. “Everyone can watch all your tricks.” Forbes has a unique advantage over other venues as all spectators can see the whole event.

The locals did not only show off their skill, but managed to win rankings too. Tom was ranked second in the junior boys competition, Jono ranked second in the men’s overall (Second division) while Jim Cronin was ranked third and Tas tenth in the men’s overall (third division) competition.

During the competition two to three adjudicators scored each competitor from the back of the boat. The competition included slalom, tricks and jump events. The slalom events saw competitors crossing the wake of the boat as many times as possible. During the trick events, competitors hear a siren when on their two feet when they had to perform technique tricks for 15 seconds. The crowd was amazed at many of the tricks including skiing backwards, turns and butt slides. Jumps where also undertaken which is not an easy feat without skis.

To add to the overall festive atmosphere, campervans were set up and individual marquees joined together all along the shore of the Forbes Aquatic Centre to allow spectators to socialise and see the com- petitors in action at the same time. Peter O’Neil and the Mulwala Waterski Club Trick Skiers amazed the crowd on the fly board.

By Dianne Collie

A small group of Forbes Pony Club riders braved the Sunday heat recently and were taken through their paces by Rodeo com- mittee members.

‘The kids had a fabulous day,” said Presi- dent, Lisa Glasson. Troy and Shaun Read, fresh from the National Rodeo Finals in Tamworth where they had competed in Open Saddle Bronc riding, took the kids through a variety of experiences. These in- cluded riding a steer on a barrel (which is

not as easy as it looks), using a lasso and roping the horns of a dummy cow. They also completed barrel racing time trials. Some Pony Club members will participate in the Forbes Rodeo on Saturday, 18th March.

The Club’s next rally is planned for Sun- day, 5th March at their grounds in Forester Street. Registrations are still being taken. The club is active each first Sunday of the month.

The Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year As- sociation has announced the nominees in each category with the winners to be an- nounced on 4th March at the Forbes Ser- vices Memorial Club. Tickets are on sale at helloworld until today.

Senior Sporstperson:

Mitchell Andrews – Rugby League & Lawn Bowls; Jake Grace – Rugby League; Scott Johnston – Archery; Ben Maguire – Rug- by League; Darcie Morrison – Rugby 7s; Mitchell Roylance – Jet Boat Racing; Nic Tomlinson – Motocross Enduro.

Junior Sportsperson:

Daniel Ashcroft – Kumiai-Ryu; Iszac Bell – Athletics, Rugby League & Basketball; Tom Drane – Dirt Bike Racing; Matty Duke – Cricket & Rugby League; Brianna Dun- can – Golf; Ellie Flick – Netball, League Tag, Touch, Athletics, Swimming, Basket- ball & Cross Country; Zachariah Green – Swimming, Hockey, Athletics, Cross Coun- try, Rugby Union & Touch Football; Jake Greenhalgh – Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics & Motocross Racing; Fyn Har- rison – Swimming; Henry Hodges – Ath- letics, Swimming, Cross Country, Touch, Basketball, Tennis & Cricket; Toby Hurford

– Cricket & Rugby League; Stuart Kenne- dy – Rugby Union; Lillyann Mason-Spice – League Tag & Rugby 7s; Tom Morrison – Barefoot Skiing; Lauren Neilsen – Danc- ing; Monica Pascoe – Cross Country, Touch, Basketball And Volleyball; Camp- bell Rubie – Swimming, Athletics, Rugby League, Rugby Union & Soccer; Harrison Scott – Rugby League & Athletics; Charlie Staines – Rugby League; Georgina Stitt – Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Net- ball, Gymnastics, Cricket & Touch; Colly Thomas – Polocrosse

Team:

Maree & Brendan Doyle – Team Penning & Team Sorting; Forbes Junior Cricket Under 14s Representative Team; Forbes Magpies First Grade Rugby League; Forbes Net- ball Association 12 Years Representative Team; Red Bend Catholic College Rugby League 15s.

Coach/Trainer:

Jake Grace – Rugby League; Robyn Ken- ny – Netball; Amy Townsend – League Tag

Referee/Umpire/Official:

Shanika Harpur – Rugby League; Jessica Lawler – Netball; Sam Mackay – Touch

The quality of nominations received for 2016 Sports Awards has delighted the Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Association (SOYA). The Annual Presentation Dinner takes place on Saturday, 4th March at the Forbes Services Memorial Club at 6.30pm.

SOYA is dedicated to recognising the ac- complishments of local athletes, adminis- trators and officials, and to thank the many volunteers who ensure children and adults of all ages have access to some of the best sporting facilities and competitions in NSW.

Awards being contested include the Jun- ior and Senior Sportsperson, All Rounder, Coach/Trainer, Referee / Umpire / Official, Administrator, Team and the Forbes Sport- sperson and Runner Up for 2016. The over- all winner of the Central West Credit Union Monthly Achievers Award will also be an- nounced, as well as the President’s Award, Phillip Adams Encouragement Award, Merit Awards, School and Special Sports Awards. The calibre of the nominations received for all the awards was of a very high standard making the job of the independent judging panel extremely difficult.

Tickets, available from helloworld Travel at $40 for adults and $25 for children (12 years & under) including a two-course meal, is available until 5pm on Friday, 24th Febru- ary.