eu-logo-300x85

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Coach

Module Menu

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. 

This embedded video comes from YouTube and won't load without cookies.
Please accept marketing cookies to watch our videos.

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.

Click the image above to view full size

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.