Virtually every state in the country [1] now requires that parents and athletes receive some basic concussion safety information as a condition to participation.
Here's a checklist of what experts say all parents need to know:
1. The signs and symptoms of concussion [2]:
2. The importance of encouraging athletes to honestly self-report [3] concussion signs or symptoms and creating an environment in which athletes feel safe in self-reporting.
3. The importance of watching for delayed symptoms, [4]including behavioral changes, and concentration and memory problems, which may only appear hours or even days after a strong blow to the body or head during practice or game action. Delayed symptom onset is especially common among younger athletes.
4. The need to regularly and close monitor athletes [5] during the first 24-48 hours after diagnosed concussion for signs of deteriorating mental condition suggesting a more serious brain injury which requires immediate hospitalization.
5. The need for cognitive and physical rest [6]in the first few days after concussion, including staying home from school.
6. The importance of a gradual return to school [7] and a gradual return to sports [8]; and
7. The dangers of continuing to play with concussion symptoms and returning to play too soon [9], before a child or teen's still-developing brain has fully healed, including increased risk of adverse short- and long-term, and even catastrophic health consequences, which can include:
The precise effects of traumatic brain injury such as resulting from concussion and repetitive head impacts, and the degree they increase the risk of long-term health problems is still unknown and will vary tremendously among student-athletes.
8. The need for more conservative management [11]of concussions in children and teens as compared to college-age athletes and adults.
Links:
[1] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/every-state-has-youth-sports-concussion-safety-law
[2] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/concussion-signs-and-symptoms-physical-cognitive-emotional-sleep-related
[3] https://momsteam.com/sports/honest-self-reporting-concussions-symptoms-critical-for-athletes
[4] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/concussion-signs-symptoms-delayed-onset-more-common-in-children-teens
[5] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/parents-critical-participants-in-recognition-treatment-recovery-concussion
[6] https://momsteam.com/concussion-physical-rest/concussion-recovery-starts-with-both-physical-and-cognitive-rest
[7] https://momsteam.com/academic-accommodations/ensure-successful-return-to-classroom-after-concussion--says-pediatrics-group
[8] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/return-to-play/concussion-return-to-play-step-by-step-approach-recommended
[9] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/multiple-concussion-history-recent-concussion-increase-risk-longer-recovery
[10] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/post-concussion-syndrome-is-when-concussion-symptoms-persist
[11] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/concussion-safety/more-conservative-approach-concussions-in-children-teens-recommended
[12] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/six-pillars-concussion-risk-management-momsteam-approach
[13] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/concussion-education-athletes-parents-still-not-getting-nearly-enough
[14] https://momsteam.com/concussion-education-will-it-help-make-sports-safer
[15] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/athletes-resistance-to-self-reporting-concussion-continues-despite-increased-education