ACSM Policy Brief: Youth Sport Concussion
Source: www.acsm.org

Background: Each year, U.S. emergency departments treat an estimated 135,000
sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries, including
concussions, among children ages 5 to 18. (Source: U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention)

Of the 1,300 athletes who experience concussion-like symptoms, 41
percent return to competition too soon. (Source: Center for Injury
Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital)
Legislation: Proper concussion legislation emphasizes education of athletes,
coaches and parents; standardized plans for concussion
management; an athlete’s immediate removal from play and an
individualized return to activity plan in the event of a concussion as a
minimum.

Three Core Principles of Youth Sport Concussion Legislation 

Core Principle 1. Education of Key Stakeholders

The first Core Principle – education – is fundamental and clear in all of the legislative efforts.
There is strong acknowledgement that a gap in knowledge and awareness exists amongst
the key stakeholders with formal education as a solution. These stakeholders include the
coach, parent and youth athlete, officials, and school administrators. Education focuses on
developing a working understanding of what a concussion is, recognizing its signs and
symptoms, understanding the risks of not taking action, and knowing the appropriate steps
to take when a concussion is suspected. A number of established training materials and
programs currently exist for this specific purpose. An additional feature to the legislation is
an education/ training verification process. For example, a post-test and certificate would be
provided to the coach for completion of the training program. For the parent and youth
athlete, a signed statement of completion and acknowledge of the concussion management
program has also been proposed.

Core Principle 2. Identification and Protection of the Youth Athlete

Equipped with the necessary knowledge of concussion signs, symptoms, and risks, Core
Principle 2 gives rise to an action step - the coach, parent, and/or youth athlete must
recognize the suspected concussion, and protect him/her from further harm by removal from
the athletic event.

Core Principle 3. Appropriate Medical Evaluation and Return to Play

Once the youth athlete is removed from play, Core Principle 3 requires an appropriate
evaluation by a licensed heath care professional (LHCP) trained in the evaluation and
management of concussion. The youth athlete is not allowed to return to practice or game
play until receipt of a written evaluation and ‘clearance’ (i.e., full recovery criteria have been
met).