Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional. 

Education is the key to identifying and treating youth athletes who show signs of a concussion during athletic participation. It is very important that every coach, parent, official, and athlete know the symptoms and steps to take when dealing with players that display signs of a possible concussion. Concussions can be a serious health issue and should be treated as such.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION? Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body, s/he should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a health care provider* says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. 

SIGNS of a Concussion:

Appears dazed or stunned 

Headache or “pressure” in head 

Is confused about assignment or position 

Nausea or vomiting 

Forgets an instruction 

Balance problems or dizziness 

Is unsure of game, score or opponent 

Double or blurry vision 

Moves clumsily 

Sensitivity to light 

Answers questions slowly 

Sensitivity to noise 

Loses consciousness, even briefly 

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy 

Shows mood, behavior or personality changes 

Concentration or memory problems 

Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall 

Confusion Can’t recall events after hit or fall Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”