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Concussion Awareness

In this recording of a Time2Learn session, James Calder explores the UK concussion guidelines for grassroots sport and physical activity, which provide a consistent and standard approach across the UK in any setting or space

Guidance

The primary purpose of the guidance is to promote recognition of potential concussions, remove and protect participants and ensure that they don’t suffer from a further head injury.

You have a responsibility to keep your participants safe from harm. This includes:

  • recognising the signs of concussion
  • removing anyone suspected of being concussed immediately
  • returning participants safely to activity.

Find out more about the guidance by visiting our guide, Everything You Need to Know About Concussion.

It is everyone's responsibility (participants; coaches; referees; spectators and families) to look out for suspected concussions in participants.

Any one or more of the following signs may indicate a concussion:

  • Loss of consciousness or responsiveness.
  • Impact seizure.
  • Clutching of the head after contact.
  • Lying motionless or rigid, slow to get up.
  • Loss of balance or problems with coordination.
  • Confusion, a delay in answering questions, dazed, or just having a blank expression.
  • Changes in behaviour, such as feeling unusually irritable or more emotional.
  • Vomiting.

“If in doubt, sit them out.”

In all types of sport and physical activity, and at all levels, participants with a suspected concussion should:

  • be immediately removed from the activity – training, play, or competition
  • be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional within 24hrs
  • not be left alone for the first 24hrs
  • not return to activity until concussion has been excluded by an appropriate healthcare professional
  • not take part in any further activity within 24hrs of a suspected concussion.
  • rest for the first 24-48hrs
  • following a concussion, follow a graduated return to activity.

It's important to follow a graduated return to activity to reduce the risks of:

  • a slow recovery
  • further brain injury
  • long-term problems.

Most symptoms of concussion resolve after a short time, but for some people (children and young adults) this can take longer.

Graduated return to activity: relative rest period; light physical activity; light aerobic exercise; non-contact training; unrestricted training activities; return to competition

Reflect

Are you aware of the signs of concussion? Where can you find out?

Are you following the concussion guidance in your sport or physical activity?

How can you raise awareness of concussion?

How can you ensure that your organisation and your participants are aware of and follow the guidance?

 

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Related Resources

  • Concussion

    View

  • Guide to Understanding Athletic Development and Physical Preparation

    View

  • Duty to Care Hub

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