Understanding Concussions in Youth Sports
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body that forces the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. While concussions are typically not life-threatening, they can have serious long-term consequences if not properly managed.
Why Are Youth Athletes at Higher Risk?
Developing Brains: Children and teens have developing brains that are more susceptible to long-term damage from repeated head injuries.
Weaker Neck Muscles: Younger athletes often have weaker neck muscles, making them more vulnerable to the whiplash effect that can cause concussions.
Underreporting Symptoms: This is a big one - many kids don’t recognize or report concussion symptoms because they want to keep playing.
Common Sports Where Concussions Occur
Football: It should come at no surprise that tackle football has the highest concussion rates in youth sports. Most occur during tackling in a running play.
Soccer: Headers and collisions (many in the air) increase risk, especially among female players.
Lacrosse: Collisions with another player, or taking a stick or ball to the head.
Ice Hockey: High-speed impacts and body checking.
Wrestling: Take downs.
Field Hockey: Collisions with a stick or ball.
Basketball: Accidental head collisions, falls and elbow strikes contribute to injuries.
Cheerleading: High-flying stunts and falls create risks.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
Concussions in youth sports don’t always cause loss of consciousness, so these common symptoms need to be recognized and immediately addressed:
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Mood changes (irritability, sadness, nervousness)
The "Return to Play" Protocol
Most youth sports organizations follow a step-by-step Return to Play process, guided by the athletes medical provider, to ensure recovery:
Rest & Monitor: No physical or mental activity for the first 24-48 hours.
Light Aerobic Exercise: Walking or stationary cycling with no resistance.
Sport-Specific Drills: Running and basic movement drills, but no contact.
Non-Contact Training: More complex drills but still avoiding full-contact play.
Full-Contact Practice: Resume normal training in controlled settings.
Game Play: Only return to full competition once symptom-free and cleared by a medical professional.
How to Reduce Concussion Risk in Youth Sports
Proper Technique: Coaches should emphasize safe tackling, heading and contact techniques.
Better Equipment: While helmets don’t prevent concussions, properly fitted gear can reduce impact severity.
Strength and Conditioning: Building neck strength can help stabilize the head and absorb shocks.
Rule Changes: Many leagues have banned certain high-risk plays (e.g., no heading in soccer under age 12).
Open Communication: Teaching athletes to report symptoms immediately is crucial.
The Bottom Line
Concussions are serious but preventable. Education, awareness, and proper safety protocols can help keep young athletes safe while allowing them to enjoy the benefits of their favorite sport.
