How can athletes stay safe from concussions at practice?

While there’s no way to prevent sports concussions entirely, parents, coaches and players can take steps to limit head injuries on the field.

In addition to learning the signs and symptoms, these concussion safety strategies can help kids avoid exposure to risk:

• Confirm equipment fits properly and is in good working condition.

• Instill proper heads-up tackling techniques, and always enforce in practices.

• Avoid unnecessary helmet-to-helmet contact.

• Ensure rules of safe play and sportsmanship are enforced and exemplified at every practice or game.

• Remove the players exhibiting signs of a concussion from the game immediately for proper evaluation; players should not return to the field until they are cleared by a healthcare professional.

Learn more about concussion prevention at choa.org/concussion-prevention.

This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.