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

Return To Learn

The student is not medically cleared to start physical activity or the Warm-up to Play progression until full participation in the classroom is normal and all concussion symptoms have resolved. Use Score Card 2 to direct the student’s Return to Learn accomodations in the classroom.

This classroom plan details the schedule and accomodations required for reintegrating the student back into the classroom. Schools should identify a team leader to ensure a communication system is in place between the physician, athletic trainer, school administrators, teachers, coaches, school nurse, school counselor and other identified members of the team.

Once full participation in the classroom is normal and all concussion symptoms have resolved, physician should use Score Card 3 if authorization for Warm-up to Play can be safely started. Once the Warm-up to Play progression is fully completed without return of symptoms, the student will be cleared for all athletic activity, weightlifting and gym class without restrictions.

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

Return To Learn

SCORE Cards