My role as a Coach
Recognising and managing concussion
Most coaches find it challenging to recognise and know how to respond to a suspected concussion.
The coach cannot diagnose a concussion – but the coach should recognise signs and symptoms and respond if a concussion is suspected or reported.
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A coach know the players level of ability and therefore will also know if they are “off” and can react to any changes after a possible head impact.
If a concussion is suspected the coach should pass on information about the concussion to the athlete AND the parents or care givers.
My Role as a Coach
Learn the signs
Learn the signs and symptoms of concussion – and know which actions to take in case of concussion
Know the steps
Know the steps in graduated return to sport, be realistic about the timeline
Prepare
Always play by the rules, do proper warm up and injury prevention exercises, teach tackling techniques
A safe environment
Create an environment where players feel safe to report, and talk about, concussion
Culture
Foster a good concussion culture in team and club
Returning to sport after concussion
Knowing when an athlete is ready to return to sport is a difficult decision – for athletes and for health professionals as well.
The coach should know to graded return to sport process and have ideas of how to integrate an athlete in practice during recovery.
Prevention and reduction of concussion
The coach is responsible of creating an environment and culture where everybody feels free to talk about concussion
The coach must teach athletes to play by the rules, to do proper warm-up and workout and to have a good tackling technique.
Useful Resources
Please Note: These links will bring you to PDF documents on external websites.