Posted on January 22, 2010: Concussions
A Responsible Sports Fan suggested the following Scenario Question:
Your nine year old son is playing football. He gets hit hard and is knocked down to the ground. After a few seconds, he gets up without losing consciousness. He seems a little dazed and wobbles back to the bench but states he is okay. Should the coach allow him to go back in and play since the nine year old says he is feeling better?
Dear "Millie,"
With all that is surfacing right now around concussion issues with football, I can't help but err on the side of caution with this one. Youth athletes almost always want to go back into the game (even when they may be injured), and it is up to the coaches to be the voice of reason.
If a player leaves the field visibly dazed and wobbly, a Responsible Coach would get him checked out as quickly as possible by a trainer, and his playing for the day would be over. The severity of head injuries is not always visible immediately, so the coaches would keep a close eye on this player (or have a parent or trainer do this) while he remains on the sidelines.
Coaches in this situation should also be sure to inform the player's parent(s) about this. This way the parents will know to keep a close eye on their son at home.
To learn more, visit the Responsible Coaching guide
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