First, and foremost, a parent needs to be educated on concussions, the signs, and symptoms, before an issue arises. If you have a child playing in a sport where the potential of concussions exists, you need to educate yourself. You want to be prepared to go into action, should the need arise.  How a parent handles over-sight of their child’s concussion is vital for the future recovery of the athlete.

The parent has a duty away from the sport field to be aware of any problems that may manifest themselves with their player. This includes a wide array of items, in the form of signs/symptoms of a concussion. The parent would need to speak with the player concerning any of those items and to seek medical assistance. The importance of immediate discovery of a concussion problem, and immediate treatment response is crucial.  The parent and the player must be aware of ‘second impact syndrome‘ (SIS), and the effects that it may have on the health of a player.

The following video gives parents a concussion perspective, from teenage sports players, who have experienced concussions:

A parent must also be aware of how their expressions about the sport may affect how easily the player will inform them of a problem. Any of the following items expressed to the player, by a parent, could weigh heavily on how open a player is, or is not, to revealing concussion problems:

Each of the above has either a positive, or negative impact on how easily a player is willing to discuss that they are having concussion issues. A player needs to know that there is no onus for revealing that they have a concussion, and will not disappoint their parent. A parent ‘living the sport‘, through their player, could be an issue for the player and a coach.

The parent should also be aware of the cultural environment that the player plays their sport in, which can affect concussion reporting by the player.  This may include:

• Being concerned about losing their spot on the team
• What team-mates may think about them, is they report a concussion.
• An brash image that they have created for themselves indicating that they are ‘invulnerable’ to injuries.
• Not wanting to appear ‘weak’ to team-mates/coach.
• An over-whelming desire to want to compete, no matter what.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a report in 2015 that addressed the cultural aspect of concussion handling.  This report, ‘Concussion at Play: Opportunities to Reshape the Culture Around Concussion‘, addresses the role of culture.

A parent should also question their coach/league as to what training has been given to the coach/assistant coach (if the coach is not present, the assistant coach takes over and needs to be trained in concussions) and as to what concussion guidelines/procedures are in place. They should be keenly aware that if they are not present at a game/practice, and a concussion should occur, that the coaching staff knows how to identify it and handle it.

Understand that there is a difference between some one stating that we are ‘aware’ of concussions, versus having an actual written, league policy/procedure for coaches to follow, and for which they are held accountable, and have been trained in. The essential question is who in the league is responsible for concussion education and enforcement of league concussion policies/guidelines/rules?

Retired Soccer Star Briana Scurry: Message to People Struggling After Concussions:

The parents should be aware of, and follow, any ‘return to play‘ procedures/protocols that their league/group/club has established for the monitoring of their player, including seeking medical advice/clearance for the players ability to play.

Your Medical Plan, Do You Know What Concussion Coverage Exists

Every parent with a player involved in a sports activity where a concussion might be possible should be well aware of how their medical plan might cover a concussion. What might be the cost to your, if an emergency room visit was necessary. Does your plan have specialists available to handle concussions? Would they refer you out to a near-by specialist? This would include diagnosis and any form of physical therapy needed, along with any form of neurocognitive tests/therapy required. Do not be surprised to find out that your plan doctor might not have the skills/training for concussion rehabilitation.  You may need a referral to a ‘specialist’.

The following are helpful guides for a parent:

Concussions_ Parents Are Critical Participants in Recognition, Treatment, Recovery

A Parent’s Guide To Concussions

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