Player Safety
Concussion Awareness
Know what to look for, what to do when a concussion is suspected, and when a player can return to sports.
Know the Basics
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can happen after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly.
Symptoms may appear right away or develop later. A player does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Watch For
Common signs and symptoms
A player may have a concussion if they appear dazed, confused, unsteady, unusually slow to respond, or show changes in behavior. Players may also report symptoms such as:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling foggy, sluggish, or groggy
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Simply not feeling right
Coach Action
If a concussion is suspected
- Remove the player from practice or the game immediately.
- Do not allow the player to return to play the same day.
- Notify the parent or guardian.
- Have the player evaluated by an appropriate healthcare provider.
- Follow the healthcare provider's instructions before returning to sports.
Emergency
Seek immediate medical care for danger signs
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if a player develops serious or worsening symptoms such as repeated vomiting, seizures, increasing confusion or agitation, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, inability to wake up, one pupil larger than the other, or a worsening headache.
Return to Sports
Do not rush a return to play
A player with a suspected concussion should stay out of sports until evaluated and cleared according to the healthcare provider's return to activity instructions. Returning too soon can increase the risk of another injury.
This page is educational and is not a substitute for medical care. For current concussion guidance, visit the CDC HEADS UP program.
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