How to Prevent Brain Injuries in Youth Sports | Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Nashville, TN

Before participation

Consider pre-concussion baseline testing.
Check with your league or school to ensure concussion policy statement adherence for all participants suspected of having a concussion.
Know the symptoms and what to do if you suspect a concussion.
Insist that safety comes first. Protective equipment, such as helmets and padding, must fit properly and be worn consistently.

Remove the athlete from play.
Seek evaluation of the athlete by a health care professional experienced in evaluating concussions.
Inform the athlete's parents or guardians about the possible concussion.
Keep the athlete out of play until a health care professional says they can return.
Do not let athletes persuade you that they are "just fine" after having sustained a bump or blow to the head.

Symptoms of a concussion typically resolve in seven to 10 days, but some athletes may take weeks or months to fully recover.
When an athlete seems to have recovered from a concussion, do not allow them to return to play without permission from a health care professional with experience in evaluating concussions.
A repeat concussion can slow the recovery process, create long-term problems, or other potential serious effects, such as second impact syndrome.
Retirement from contact sports should be considered for an athlete who has had multiple concussions.

Allen Sills, M.D. provides parents tips to help their children recover after concussions.