The Concussion movie recently released may raise concerns about head safety in children who play contact sports.  We want our children to be active, stay healthy, and enjoy the positive benefits of team sports. While there is a risk in playing any sport, the benefits will likely far outweigh the risks if coached and played with head safety in mind.

Gerry Gioia, PhD, Director of Safe Concussion Outcome, Recovery & Education (SCORE) Program at Children’s National Health System, shares 10 questions parents should ask youth sports coaches to ensure their child’s team is practicing proper head safety to prevent concussion.

  1. Does the league have a policy on how they handle concussions?
  2. Who is responsible for the sideline concussion recognition and response to suspected concussions during practice and games? Is there an assigned person?
  3. Does the league have access to healthcare professionals  with knowledge and training in sport-related concussions for consultation?
  4. Are the coaches required to take a concussion education and training course?
  5. Are the coach’s tools (concussion signs and symptoms cards, clipboards, fact sheets, smartphone apps, etc.) readily available during practice and games to guide proper recognition and response of a suspected concussion? Children’s National has a free mobile application called “Concussion Recognition & Response” to assist coaches and parents in asking the right questions and doing the right thing should they suspect a concussion.
  6. Does the league provide and/or encourage concussion education for parents, and what is the policy for informing parents of suspected concussions?
  7. What is the policy regarding allowing a player to return to play? (Correct answer should be ONLY when a medical professional provides written clearance that the athlete is fully recovered.)
  8. Does the league teach coaches and players proper techniques, such as blocking and tackling in football, in ways that are “head safe,” by not putting the head in position to be struck?
  9. If it is a contact sport, are there limitations to the amount of contact? How often will your child practice live contact? Is that any different than past years?
  10. How amenable is the league, team, and/or coach to accepting feedback from parents about their child’s safety as it relates to head safety?

Here’s a link to his tips and more information.

And here’s the Concussion movie trailer: