1. ALWAYS remove athletes immediately after suspecting a concussion. Do NOT allow return to play the same day with a concussion.

2. Athletes do NOT have to be knocked out to have a concussion. 90% of concussions occur without a loss of consciousness.

3. CT scans don’t diagnose concussions. Everyone with a concussion has a normal CT scan.

4. It is OK to let someone fall asleep after being hit in the head. With careful monitoring, rest and sleep will be helpful.

5. “Warm Up for Return” is a graded process that requires a minimum of five days.

6. 9 out of 10 athletes will be back to normal within two weeks. They may miss a few games.

7. Kansas law requires a physician’s signature (MD/DO) to "Return to Play."

8. Athletes who return to full contact too early risk Second Impact Syndrome, a rare but devastating brain injury that may result in death.

9. Concussions can affect driving, school work, sleep, emotions, relationships and self worth.

10. The "game plan" is not just about returning an athlete to their sport, it is about returning the person back to their life.

KansasSportsConcussionPartnership

» Concussion? Start Here » Recognition » Management » Return to Learn » Warm-up to Play

Recognition

When a concussion is suspected, the first consideration should always be the athlete’s safety. An athlete must STOP playing immediately to preserve the brain’s functions and prevent further damage.

Coaches, athletic trainers, physicians or EMT personnel should use the SCAT5 concussion assessment tool on the sidelines to evaluate an athlete suspected of a sustaining a head injury.

Parents, family members, coaches, athletic trainers, friends, teachers and the athletes themselves should be alert to the potential symptoms of a concussion immediately after an injury and during the next few days.

Signs Observed by Others

Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score or opponent
Moves clumsily or has slurred speech
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness
Shows behavior or personality changes
Cannot recall events prior to hit
Cannot recall events after hit

Signs Reported by Athlete

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish or drowsy
Feeling foggy or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion

Game plan for the education, recognition, and management of sports related head injuries.

Recognition

Signs Observed by Others

Signs Reported by Athlete

SCORE Cards