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HomeHealth & SafetyConcussion Recognition and Response

Concussion Recognition and Response

Education is the first step in protecting your players. 

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What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Signs of Concussion:
Seen by coach, game official or parent
  • Dazed or stunned
  • Confused about assignment, position, play
  • Forgets instruction
  • Moves clumsily or shows poor balance
  • Shows mood, behavior or personality changes
  • Loses consciousness, even briefly
Symptoms of Concussion:
Reported by player
  • Headache or pressure in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”
If a concussion is suspected:
1

Remove the athlete from play immediately

2

Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a qualified medical professional

3

Inform athlete’s parents or guardians about a possible concussion

4

Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until he or she is cleared by a qualified medical professional

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Return to Play

  • Only begin return-to-play protocol after athlete is symptom free and has been given permission by a qualified medical professional to start this process
  • Coaches should work with parents and athlete to monitor for any return of symptoms during every step
  • Only one step per day
  • Only move to the next step if the athlete remains symptom free for 24 hours following the previous step
  • If symptoms reappear, sit the athlete out and return to qualified medical professional
Return to Play Steps:
1
BACK TO REGULAR ACTIVITIES

Athlete is back to their regular non-athletic activities (such as school).

2
LIGHT AEROBIC ACTIVITY

Begin with light aerobic exercise only to increase an athlete’s heart rate. This means about 5 to 10 minutes on an exercise bike, walking or light jogging. No weightlifting.

3
MODERATE ACTIVITY

Continue with activities to increase an athlete’s heart rate with body or head movement. This includes moderate jogging, brief running, moderate-intensity stationary biking or moderate-intensity weightlifting (less time and/or less weight from their typical routine).

4
HEAVY, NON-CONTACT ACTIVITY

Add heavy non-contact physical activity, such as sprinting/running, high-intensity stationary biking or non-contact sport-specific drills.

5
PRACTICE & FULL CONTACT

Young athlete may return to practice and full contact (if appropriate for the game-type) in controlled practice.

6
COMPETITION

Young athlete may return to competition.

01/06

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, November 19). Heads Up Safe Brain. Stronger Future. https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html