Responding to Concussions

The HEADS UP Action Plan 

The following is a step-by-step course of action that coaches can implement if a concussion is suspected:

1. REMOVE FROM PLAY

Remove the athlete from play. When in doubt, sit them out!

2. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Keep an athlete with a possible concussion out of play the same day of the injury and until cleared by a health care provider. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Only  a health care provider should assess the athlete for a possible concussion. After you remove an athlete with a possible concussion from practice or play, the decision about return to  practice or play is a medical decision that should be made by a health care provider. As a coach, recording the following information can help a health care provider in assessing the athlete after the injury.    

• • Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body           
• • Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long    
• • Any memory loss right after the injury
• • Any seizures right after the injury     
• • Number of previous concussions (if any)  
• • Number of previous concussions (if any)   
•    

3. INFORM AND EDUCATE PARENTS

Inform the athlete’s parent(s) about the possible concussion, and give them a HEADS UP fact sheet (download below). This fact sheet can help parents watch the athlete for concussion signs or symptoms that may show up or get worse once the athlete is at home or returns to school. 

Materials You Can Give to Parents:

HEADS UP Customizeable Team Fact Sheet

HEADS UP to High School Sports Parent Fact Sheet    

HEADS UP to Youth Sports Parent Fact Sheet for Parents  

4. GET WRITTEN CONCUSSION CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Ask for written instructions from the athlete’s health care provider on return to play. These instructions should include information about when they can return to play and what steps you should take to help them safely return to play. Before returning to play an athlete should:         

• • Be back to doing their regular school activities.    
• • Not have any symptoms from the injury when doing normal activities.    
• • Have the green-light from their health care provider to begin the return to play process.