Supporting Student-Athletes After a Concussion
Supporting Student-Athletes After a Concussion: Key Insights for Football Professionals
Supporting Student-Athletes After a Concussion Concussions are a serious concern in youth sports, particularly football, where the risk of head injuries is significantly high. As professionals working with young athletes, it’s essential to understand how concussions impact not only their physical health but also their ability to return to school and perform academically.
A recent study published in the Journal of School Health highlights the role of academic accommodations in helping students recover after a concussion. Teachers and administrators across Canada shared their perspectives, shedding light on how schools can better support student-athletes’ return to learning. As referees, coaches, and health professionals, there are important takeaways for how we can work together with schools to improve the recovery process for young football players.
The Need for Academic Accommodations
After a concussion, student-athletes often struggle with symptoms like headaches, memory problems, and sensitivity to noise, which can make school environments challenging. According to the study, 96% of educators agree that accommodations—such as extended time for assignments or breaks during class—are critical for students to recover without falling behind academically. However, not all accommodations are easy to implement.
For example, while allowing extra time or providing additional support is common and feasible, changes like reducing bright lights or limiting noise are harder to accommodate in busy school environments. As professionals working closely with these students, it’s crucial that we recognize these limitations and communicate effectively with educators to ensure that our athletes get the support they need both on and off the field.
Concussion Management Plans and Collaboration
One key finding from the study is that less than half of the schools had formal concussion management plans. Schools with these plans were much more likely to provide necessary accommodations and ensure consistent support for students. As coaches, referees, and health professionals, we need to advocate for concussion management plans that incorporate not only the return-to-play protocols but also return-to-learn strategies.
Collaboration between football professionals and schools is essential. We play a key role in monitoring athletes’ recovery, and by working closely with educators, we can ensure that students receive consistent care throughout their recovery process. Having a designated point-person at the school—whether it’s a teacher or administrator—who oversees the student’s academic accommodations can significantly improve the recovery experience.
Communication Is Key
Effective communication between educators, healthcare providers, and football professionals is crucial in concussion management. According to the study, while educators had strong communication with students, they reported challenges in connecting with healthcare providers. As health professionals and coaches, we can help bridge this gap by ensuring clear and ongoing communication with schools, sharing insights about the athlete’s recovery, and making sure accommodations are appropriate.
Supporting Student-Athletes After a Concussion: Recommendations for Football Professionals
- Advocate for Concussion Management Plans: Encourage schools to adopt plans that outline both return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols, ensuring a holistic approach to concussion recovery.
- Stay Involved in the Recovery Process: As coaches, referees, or health professionals, maintain close communication with schools to monitor students’ progress and ensure they are receiving necessary academic accommodations.
- Promote Concussion Education: Make concussion education a priority for not just athletes, but their families, teachers, and school staff to ensure everyone understands the importance of a comprehensive recovery process.
- Collaborate with Schools: By working closely with educators and administrators, we can help ensure that academic accommodations are feasible and effective for the athlete’s return to both school and sport.
Supporting Student-Athletes After a Concussion: Conclusion
As professionals in football, our responsibility extends beyond the field. Ensuring that student-athletes are well-supported in their return to school after a concussion is critical for their overall recovery and long-term success. By collaborating with schools and advocating for strong concussion management plans, we can make a significant impact on the health and academic outcomes of our young athletes.
