"A concussion is a brain injury and all brain injuries are serious. They are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. They can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. You can’t see a concussion and most sports concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of concussion may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms or signs of concussion yourself, seek medical attention right away.

'Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Headaches, Amnesia, Pressure in head, Don’t feel right, Nausea or vomiting, Fatigue or low energy, Neck pain, Sadness, Balance problems or dizziness, Nervousness or anxiety, Blurred, double, or fuzzy vision, Irritability, Sensitivity to light or noise, More emotional, Feeling sluggish or slowed down, Confusion, Drowsiness, Change in sleep patterns, Repeating the same question/comment, Feeling foggy or groggy, and Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays).

'Signs observed by teammates, parents and coaches include:
Appears dazed, Vacant facial expression, Confused about assignment, Forgets plays, Is unsure of game, score, or opponent, Answers questions slowly, Moves clumsily or displays in-coordination, Slurred speech, Shows behavior or personality changes, Seizures or convulsions, Can’t recall events prior to hit, Can’t recall events after hit, Any change in typical behavior or personality, and Loses consciousness.

'Athletes with the signs and symptoms of concussion should be removed from play immediately. Continuing to play with the signs and symptoms of a concussion leaves the young athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury. There is an increased risk of significant damage from a concussion for a period of time after that concussion occurs, particularly if the athlete suffers another concussion before completely recovering from the first one. This can lead to prolonged recovery, or even to severe brain swelling (second impact syndrome) with devastating and even fatal consequences. It is well known that adolescent or teenage athlete will often under report symptoms of injuries, and concussions are no different. As a result, education of administrators, coaches, parents and students is the key for student-athlete’s safety.

'Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game or practice immediately. No athlete may return to activity after an apparent head injury or concussion, regardless of how mild it seems or how quickly symptoms clear, without medical clearance. Close observation of the athlete should continue for several hours."