The Family Support Network – Supporting the players
Every family member—whether you’re a parent, sibling, or guardian—plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of young players. By understanding how to spot concussion symptoms, supporting recovery, and providing guidance during return-to-play, your involvement helps protect their health both on and off the field.
Download Tools to Keep You Game-Ready
Symptom Checklists
Grab these quick-check sheets to help you spot the signs of a concussion. If something feels off, you’ll know when to talk to your coach or get help from a medical pro.
Simple tips to keep you safe while playing hard—like making sure your gear is on point and using the right techniques for tackles and headers. Protect yourself while staying at the top of your game!
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or feeling off-balance
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Memory problems, like forgetting the event
Slurred speech or delayed responses
If you experience these symptoms after a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
A player should wait at least 24 to 48 hours after a concussion before beginning any physical activity. Return to play should follow a gradual, step-by-step process, with medical clearance required at each stage. Full return to play often takes about 1 to 2 weeks but can be longer depending on the severity of the concussion and the player’s recovery. Rushing back too soon can increase the risk of further injury or prolonged symptoms.
Seek medical attention immediately: A healthcare professional should evaluate them as soon as possible.
Monitor symptoms: Watch for signs like headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness.
Rest: Ensure your child rests physically and mentally, avoiding activities like sports, screen time, or schoolwork.
Follow medical advice: Stick to the doctor’s recovery plan, including a gradual return to school and physical activities.
Prevent further injury: Keep your child from engaging in activities that could lead to another head injury during recovery.
Ensure rest: Encourage plenty of sleep and quiet time, avoiding physical and mental exertion (like sports, video games, or studying).
Limit screen time: Reduce exposure to screens (phones, TVs, computers) to prevent overstimulation.
Provide a calm environment: Keep noise and light levels low to help ease sensitivity to light and sound.
4.Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet: Support healing with proper nutrition and hydration.
Gradual return to activity: Slowly reintroduce daily tasks and schoolwork, following medical advice for any return to sports or physical activity.
Always monitor symptoms and follow up with healthcare providers during the recovery process.