Know the Signs. Take Action. Keep Athletes Safe.
As a coach, you play a vital role in protecting young athletes from the serious effects of a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recognizing symptoms early, removing athletes from play, and ensuring athletes with suspected concussion of TBI receive proper care can make a lasting difference.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of TBI caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head – or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly. This sudden motion can cause the brain to twist or bounce inside the skull, damaging brain cells and triggering chemical reactions.
How to Recognize a Possible Concussion
Concussions often occur during falls or collisions with other players, the ground, or with an object like a goalpost. Even a seemingly mild bump, “ding,” or “getting your bell rung,” should be taken seriously.
As a coach you are on the front line in identifying an athlete with a suspected concussion. You know your athletes well and can recognize when something is off –even when the athlete doesn’t know it or doesn’t want to admit it.
To help spot a concussion, watch for and ask others to report the following two things:
- A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head
- Any concussion signs or symptoms, including a change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning
Signs and symptoms may appear right away or may not emerge until hours later. Continue monitoring the athlete and inform parents about what to look for at home. Any worsening of concussion signs or symptoms indicates a medical emergency.
Common Concussion Symptoms
Reported by an athlete:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
- Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”
Observed by coaches or staff:
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Is confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
- Can’t recall events before or after a hit or fall
Red Flag Symptoms – Call 911 Immediately
In rare cases, a concussion can lead to dangerous brain bleeding. Seek emergency medical help if an athlete has:
- One pupil larger than the other
- Feelings of drowsiness or cannot be awakened
- Severe or worsening headache
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions or seizures
- Difficulty recognizing people or places
- Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Signs of unusual behavior
- Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
Concussion Action Plan
If you suspect an athlete has suffered a concussion, follow the Heads Up for Concussion action plan:
- REMOVE the athlete from play. When in doubt, sit them out!
- REFER the athlete to a health care professional. Don’t try to assess the severity of an injury yourself. Medical providers can perform specialized evaluations. Record and share the following details with the medical team:
- What caused the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body
- Whether the athlete lost consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and, if so, for how long
- Any memory loss or seizures
- Any previous history of concussions
Prevention Tips
Insist that safety comes first. To help minimize the risks for concussion or other serious brain injuries:
- Ensure athletes follow the rules for safety and the rules of the sport
- Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times
- Make sure the athlete wears the protective equipment that fits properly, is well maintained, and is worn consistently and correctly.
- Educate athletes that wearing a helmet reducing the risk of severe brain injury and skull fracture but doesn’t make an athlete immune to concussion
Concussion Policies and Laws
Check with your league, school, or district about concussion policies. Concussion policy statements can be developed to include:
- The school or league’s commitment to safety
- A brief description of concussion
- Information on when athletes can safely return to school and play
- Sign-off by parents and athletes at the start of the season
Click here to learn more about the concussion laws in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.