Remove the athlete from play. Look for signs and symptoms of a concussion if your athlete has experienced a bump or blow to the head or body. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.

Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.

Recording the following information can help health care professionals in assessing the athlete after the injury:

1. Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head or body. 

2. Any loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out) and if so, for how long.

3. Any memory loss immediately following the injury.

4. Any seizures immediately following the injury. 

5. Number of previous concussions (if any).

​Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion. Make sure they know the athlete should be seen by a health care professional who is experienced in evaluating for concussion. 

Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says he/she is symptom-free, and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first concussion—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.