When a young athlete might have a concussion: a sideline plan

A collision, fall, or sudden jolt can leave a family wondering whether an athlete is ready for the next play. The safest plan is to make the decision before the season: if a concussion is suspected, the athlete comes out, the adults respond, and a healthcare provider—not the scoreboard—guides the return.

A concussion can follow a hit to the head or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly. Signs can be subtle, and symptoms may appear later. This guide summarizes CDC HEADS UP guidance; it does not diagnose an injury or replace medical care.

Make the first decision simple

If an athlete has signs or symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt, remove them from play immediately. Keep them out for the rest of that day and until a healthcare provider clears their return. Tell the athlete’s parent or caregiver and arrange an evaluation by a healthcare provider. Do not try to judge the injury’s severity on the sideline.

An athlete may look dazed or confused, have trouble remembering or concentrating, move less steadily, or answer more slowly than usual. A headache or other symptoms can also be reported. An athlete does not have to be knocked unconscious for a concussion to be possible. Symptoms can appear or be noticed hours or days later, so keep observing and share changes with a healthcare provider.

Know when the situation is an emergency

After a head injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for danger signs. CDC lists seizures, repeated nausea or vomiting, increasing confusion or unusual behavior, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, a worsening headache that does not go away, and one pupil larger than the other or double vision. Loss of consciousness with increasing drowsiness or inability to wake or stay awake is also a danger sign.

This is not a complete list. Review the CDC’s danger signs before the season and make sure the adults at practices know how to contact emergency services and the athlete’s family.

Treat return as a process, not a date

CDC’s return-to-sport progression has six steps, beginning with a return to regular activities and advancing through gradually harder exercise, controlled practice and, finally, competition. A healthcare provider must approve and supervise the progression; each step typically takes at least 24 hours.

The athlete moves ahead only if no new symptoms appear at the current step. If symptoms return or new symptoms develop, stop the activity and contact the medical provider. The provider can guide what happens next. School and sport recovery can overlap, but CDC says the athlete should be back to all regular non-sport activities without accommodations or support before completing the sports protocol.

Build a team around the athlete

Ask the provider for written instructions, including what to watch for and how school and sport should communicate. Share the plan with the coach, school staff and athletic trainer when available. Check in with the athlete about how they feel: missing practices and friends can be frustrating or isolating. Staying connected to teammates can help without rushing a return to play.

Before the next practice, identify who will remove an athlete from play, who will contact family and emergency services, and where the team keeps its emergency plan. A short conversation now can make a difficult sideline moment clearer for everyone.

Keep development in perspective

Recovery is part of an athlete’s long-term development, not a setback to hide. When it is appropriate and private, athletes can use their Just Sportz profile to organize their sports, goals and milestones. Do not post medical details or another person’s private information. A profile is a record of a broader journey, not a substitute for medical clearance.