Concussion Recognition and Response

Education is the first step in protecting your players.

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:

Remove the athlete from play immediately

Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a qualified medical professional

Inform athlete’s parents or guardians about a possible concussion

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:

BACK TO REGULAR ACTIVITIES

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

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.

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).

HEAVY, NON-CONTACT ACTIVITY

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

PRACTICE & FULL CONTACT

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

COMPETITION

Young athlete may return to competition.

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