What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head — or a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. In football, this can happen from a clash of heads, a fall, or an accidental elbow. Crucially, a player does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

Young athletes are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing and they may not fully recognise or communicate their symptoms. This makes adult awareness absolutely essential.

Recognising the Signs

Symptoms of concussion can appear immediately or up to 24–48 hours after the incident. Watch for:

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling "foggy", confused, or slow
  • Memory problems (e.g. asking the same question repeatedly)
  • Mood changes — becoming unusually emotional or irritable
  • Sleep disturbances — sleeping more or less than usual

If a player shows any of these signs after a head impact, remove them from play immediately.

The Golden Rule: "If in Doubt, Sit Them Out"

This phrase is the cornerstone of concussion management in youth sport. A player suspected of having a concussion should never return to the same training session or match. Returning to play too soon — even if the player insists they feel fine — significantly increases the risk of a more serious second injury.

This is not overreaction. It is the medically recommended and safest approach.

Seeking Medical Assessment

Any player with suspected concussion should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional before returning to any physical activity. In the UK, the NHS provides guidance on concussion management, and resources such as the Headway charity offer clear information for families.

For young players, a GP or A&E visit is always appropriate if symptoms are severe, worsening, or include loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, or seizures — in which case emergency services should be called immediately.

Return to Play Protocol

Returning to football after concussion must follow a gradual, step-by-step process. A typical return-to-sport protocol looks like this:

  1. Complete rest until symptom-free
  2. Light aerobic exercise (walking, gentle cycling) — no resistance training
  3. Sport-specific exercise (running, non-contact drills)
  4. Non-contact training with the team
  5. Full-contact practice — only after medical clearance
  6. Return to match play

Each step should take at least 24 hours. If symptoms return at any stage, the player must go back to the previous step and rest again.

Prevention Strategies

While concussions cannot be entirely prevented, clubs and coaches can reduce risk by:

  • Teaching proper heading technique and limiting heading in training for younger age groups (FA guidelines recommend no heading in training for under-11s)
  • Enforcing fair play and penalising dangerous challenges
  • Ensuring playing surfaces are in good condition
  • Using age and size-appropriate equipment
  • Educating players themselves about reporting symptoms — players must feel safe speaking up

Creating a Safe Club Culture

The most powerful protection against concussion-related harm is a culture where player welfare comes first. Coaches, parents, and players should all know the signs, know the protocol, and feel empowered to act without hesitation.