Concussions become dangerous when they go unreported or are improperly treated. Due to ignorance or a desire to play, children may decide that they do not have a concussion or that it is not a big deal. This could be life threatening. HRK Eagles is committed to ensuring that any participant who is suspected of having received a concussion will be removed from play and be seen by a physician before returning to play. Parents and players need to help with this commitment. Please carefully review the following concussion information with your child.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) that alters the way the brain works. Effects are usually temporary. Although concussions typically are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but MOST concussions do NOT. As a result, some have concussions and don't realize it. Concussions are most often caused by contact with another player, the ground, or a piece of equipment or object. The brain needs time and rest to heal properly. Most concussive traumatic brain injuries are mild and people usually recover fully.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion:

These may be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. They can last for days, weeks or longer.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion observed by parents, coaches and others may include:

~Appears dazed or stunned                               ~Is confused                                           ~Forgets play

~Loses consciousness                                         ~Moves clumsily                                     ~Answers questions slowly

~Can’t recall events before/after injury             ~Is unsure of score or opponent           ~Behavior changes

Symptoms reported by athlete:

~Headache                                                     ~Dizziness or “seeing stars”             ~Balance Problems   

~Confusion                                                     ~Feel as if in a fog                             ~Nausea or vomiting

~Blurred or double vision                             ~Memory problems                          ~Concentration problems

~Feeling sluggish                                          ~Sensitivity to light/noise                  ~Fatigue

When to see a doctor:

See a doctor within 1 to 2 days if: Your child experiences a head injury and you suspect a possible concussion, even if emergency care wasn't required. If worrisome signs develop later, seek emergency care.

Seek emergency care for a child who experiences a head injury and symptoms such as: Repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds, headache that gets worse over time, changes in physical coordination, such as stumbling or clumsiness, confusion or disorientation, difficulty recognizing people or places, slurred speech, seizures, pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes, lasting or recurrent dizziness, obvious difficulty with mental function or physical coordination, symptoms that worsen over time.

When the athlete can return to play:

No one should return to play while signs or symptoms of a concussion are present. Experts recommend that an athlete with a suspected concussion not return to play until he or she has been medically evaluated by a health care professional trained in evaluating and managing concussions. Experts also recommend that child and adolescent athletes with a concussion not return to play on the same day as the injury. Any return to play criteria established by doctors should be carefully followed. This is usually gradual, occurring over several days once the athlete is symptom free.