Question 1

What is a Concussion?

Accepted Answer

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit to the head, face, neck, or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly.

You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

It temporarily changes how the brain functions and must be taken seriously.

Question 2

What causes a concussion in football?

Accepted Answer

• Helmet-to-helmet contact
 • A fall to the ground
 • A collision with another player
 • A hit to the body that snaps the head back or forward

Even minor impacts can cause concussion symptoms.

Question 3

What symptoms should I look for?

Accepted Answer

Common concussion symptoms include:
 • Headache
 • Confusion or “foggy” thinking
 • Dizziness or balance issues
 • Nausea or vomiting
 • Blurry or double vision
 • Ringing in the ears
 • Slurred speech
 • Sensitivity to light or noise
 • Irritability or emotional changes
 • Feeling dazed or stunned
 • Loss of consciousness (not required)

Symptoms may appear immediately or several hours after the impact.

Question 4

What should a coach or parent do if a concussion is suspected?

Accepted Answer

We follow the rule: When in doubt, sit them out.
Immediate steps:
1. Remove the athlete from play right away.
2. Do not allow return the same day.
3. Monitor the athlete for symptoms.
4. Seek evaluation from a physician or qualified medical professional.
5. Inform the coaching staff of all medical recommendations.

Safety comes first, no exceptions.

Question 5

Can an athlete return to the same game or practice if they “feel better”?

Accepted Answer

No.

Even if symptoms improve quickly, they may return later, and additional head impacts can be dangerous.

Athletes must be removed for the rest of the day and follow the return-to-play steps.

Question 6

Who can clear an athlete to return to football?

Accepted Answer

Only a licensed physician or qualified healthcare provider can give clearance.

Coaches, parents, and trainers cannot make medical decisions regarding concussions.

Question 7

What is the Return-to-Play protocol?

Accepted Answer

Once the athlete is cleared and symptom-free, they must progress through these six stages, one per 24 hours:
1. Complete rest
2. Light aerobic activity
3. Sport-specific drills (no contact)
4. Non-contact practice with increased intensity
5. Controlled contact drills
6. Full contact and game play

If symptoms return at any step, the athlete must step back to the previous level.

Question 8

How long does recovery usually take?

Accepted Answer

Every athlete is different.

Most youth concussions resolve in 1–4 weeks, but symptoms may last longer depending on:
 • Age
 • Injury history
 • Severity of symptoms
 • How quickly the athlete rested and reported symptoms

We emphasize no rushing. Long-term brain health always comes first.

Question 9

What can make concussion symptoms worse?

Accepted Answer

• Too much screen time
 • Lack of sleep
 • Returning to sport too early
 • Stress or high cognitive load
 • Bright lights or loud environments
 • Ignoring early symptoms

Proper rest early on leads to the fastest recovery.

Question 10

What role does equipment play in concussion prevention?

Accepted Answer

While helmets protect against skull fractures, they cannot prevent concussions.

However:
 • Properly fitted helmets
 • Safe Contact tackling techniques
 • Eliminating head-first contact

…significantly reduce risk.

Spartans coaches are trained to teach proper form and safe technique.

Question 11

How do the Spartans reduce concussion risk?

Accepted Answer

Our program follows Football Canada Safe Contact standards, including:
 • Progressive contact drills
 • Emphasis on technique, not impact
 • No head-first tackling or blocking
 • Immediate removal if a head injury is suspected
 • Mandatory medical clearance
 • Parent and athlete education
 • Proper equipment fitting and weekly checks

Safety, development, and confidence always come before competition.

Question 12

What should I do at home if my child has a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Follow medical advice and support recovery by:
 • Allowing rest (no sports, no heavy homework, limited screens)
 • Keeping lights and noise low if they worsen symptoms
 • Monitoring for changes
 • Encouraging hydration and proper sleep
 • Reporting any worsening symptoms to a doctor immediately

If symptoms escalate (severe headache, vomiting, confusion) seek urgent care.

Question 13

Can repeated concussions be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Multiple concussions, especially without proper recovery time, increase the risk of long-term issues.

This is why Spartans enforce strict no-return-same-day rules and a full 6-step protocol.

Question 14

Who should families contact with questions or concerns?

Accepted Answer

Parents should reach out to:
 • Their physician
 • Their team’s Head Coach
 • The Coaching Coordinator
 • The Spartans Board of Directors

We are here to support every athlete’s long-term health.

CONCUSSION SAFETY

Our Commitment to Safety

SAFETY FIRST
Spartans follow Football Canada Safe Contact standards.

HEALTH-FOCUSED
Every concussion is treated with care and caution.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Coaches, parents and players work together.

Return-to-Play Progression

Step 1: No Activity, Complete Rest

Step 4: Begin Drills without Body Contact

Step 2: Light Aerobic Activity

Step 5: Begin Drills with Body Contact

Step 3: Sport Specific Activities

Step 6: Game Play

Official Canadian
Concussion Guideline

Free, evidence-based national guideline produced by Parachute Canada, widely used in youth sport.

We encourage all parents & coaches to review this document. Our Spartans policy aligns with these recommendations.

Have questions or Concerns?

If you have questions or need guidance, you may also reach out to: