Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports

Concussions are a type of injury caused by a blow or bump to the head that disrupts the way the cells in the brain normally work. They are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreation activities. Most sports-and recreation-related concussions seen in emergency departments each year (65%) occur among youth ages 5–18. While many of these injuries may be considered mild, they can result in health consequences such as impaired thinking, memory problems, and emotional or behavioral changes.

More than 38 million boys and girls, ages 5–18, participate in organized youth sports in the United States. Although sports provide physical activity that offers important exercise and team building opportunities to young people, there is also a risk of getting injured. Concussions can occur in any organized or unorganized sport or recreational activity; however, the risk is greatest in athletic environments where collisions are common.

The world of youth sports is large, diverse and decentralized. Most coaches in youth sports programs are volunteers—either parents or other interested persons—who have minimal or no training in coaching. They are often juggling many commitments including full-time jobs and families, in addition to their volunteer efforts. Youth sports coaches are also on the front line in the effort to identify and respond to concussions and they play an important role in sharing this information with athletes and parents.