07/20/2026
By Colin:
According to the CDC, A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Concussion symptoms can make it hard to do regular activities at home or school. Physical symptoms include sensitivity to light or noise, balance problems, nausea/vomiting (early on), and vision problems. Attention or concentration problems, as well as short- and long-term memory problems, can worsen after a concussion. Exposure to repeated head impacts increases the chance for concussions and other TBIs, as well as the potential for changes in the brain and brain diseases.
A child with a history of multiple concussions also may have:
- Ongoing problems with concentration, memory, and headaches.
-Physical problems, such as keeping their balance.
-A greater risk for mental health problems and other chronic health conditions.
Creating a safe sports culture can help reduce an athlete's risk of concussion or other serious injuries.
Sports programs can...
-Expand opportunities for youth in all communities to participate in low-cost non-contact football programs such as flag and touch football.
-Enforce the rules of the sport for fair play, safety, and sportsmanship.
-Ensure athletes avoid unsafe actions such as hitting another athlete in the head and using their head to tackle or hit another athlete.
-Educate coaches, sports officials, parents, and athletes about concussion policies and about strategies to reduce head impacts and concussions.
