At Franklin Athletics, the safety of our student-athletes is our top priority. Understanding concussion protocols is essential for coaches, athletes, and parents alike.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur in any sport. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and recovery. Here are key points to consider:
- Signs of a Concussion: Look for symptoms such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, and balance issues.
- Immediate Action: If a concussion is suspected, the athlete should be removed from play immediately and evaluated by a qualified professional.
- Return-to-Play Protocol: Athletes must follow a step-by-step process to safely return to sports, which includes medical clearance and gradual reintroduction to physical activity.
- Education: Coaches and parents should educate themselves about concussions to better support athletes.
For more detailed information on concussion management, please refer to the resources provided by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and other health organizations.
By prioritizing safety and awareness, we can help protect our student-athletes and ensure a healthier sports environment at Franklin Athletics.
Supporting Recovery Beyond the Field
Concussion recovery does not stop at the sideline. The brain needs time to heal, and the days after an injury matter as much as the moment an athlete is pulled from a game. Families and coaches can help by understanding what recovery usually looks like and where extra care is needed.
Return to Learn Comes First
Many medical guidelines recommend that a student return comfortably to the classroom before returning to full sport. Reading, screen time and concentrating in a noisy hallway can all bring back symptoms. Temporary adjustments such as shorter school days, extra time on tests, breaks in a quiet space or reduced homework can make a real difference. Parents should talk with teachers and school staff early, so everyone knows what to watch for.
Oregon's Approach
Oregon has a well-known youth concussion law, often called Max's Law. It requires that coaches receive concussion training, that an athlete suspected of a concussion be removed from play, and that the athlete not return until cleared in writing by a qualified health care professional. In practice, a player cannot return on the same day as the suspected injury, however well they seem to feel.
Warning Signs That Need Urgent Care
Most concussions improve with rest and gradual activity, but some symptoms point to a more serious injury. Seek emergency medical help if an athlete shows:
- A headache that gets worse or will not go away
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech, weakness or numbness
- Seizures, unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Increasing confusion, agitation or one pupil larger than the other
What Athletes Can Do
Athletes play a big part in their own safety. Reporting symptoms honestly, even in a big game, protects them from a second injury before the first has healed, which can be far more dangerous. Teammates who notice a friend acting off should tell a coach or athletic trainer. Speaking up is a sign of good teamwork, not weakness.
Every injury is different, so decisions about recovery should always be made with a doctor or licensed health professional. Questions about how this works for a specific team can go through our contact page, and you can read more about the values behind our approach in the Franklin Athletics manifesto.
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