Concussion Awareness

The purpose of the Concussion Awareness page is to help educate coaches, players, and parents about concussions. The Valley Soccer Club does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material on this page is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding concussion treatment.

What is a Concussion? A type of traumatic brain injury, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head . Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth -literally causing the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull . The sudden movement of the brain causes stretching and tearing of brain cells, damaging the cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. 

For Coaches

To help spot a concussion you should watch for and ask others to report the following two things: 1. A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head. AND 2. Any concussion signs or symptoms, such as a change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning. 

Signs 

• 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 prior to hit or fall

• Can’t recall events after hit or fall  

What to do

• Remove the athlete from play

• Ensure that the athlete is evaluated right away by an appropriate health care professional

• Inform the athlete's parents or guardians about possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussions

• Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury.

• Do not return the athlete to play or practice until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating/managing concussion, has cleared them to do so in writing.  

For Parents

What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?

1. Seek medical attention right away

2. Keep your child out of play

3. Tell your child’s coach about any previous concussion 

For Players

If you think you have a concussion, you should not return to play on the day of the injury and until a health care professional says you are OK to return to play.

• Don’t hide it. Report it

• Get checked out

• Take care of your brain

“IT’S BETTER TO MISS ONE GAME, THAN THE WHOLE SEASON.” 

Resources

CDC Heads Up Concussion Training: https://headsup.cdc.gov