Coaches Get "Heads Up" About Concussions

The expression "get your head in the game" is not to be taken literally. Athletic and recreational activities contribute to approximately 21% of all traumatic brain injuries among children and adolescents, a fact which inspired Ursuline Athletic Director Mike O'Connor to give Ursuline's coaches a "heads up" about this prevalent danger for young athletes. 

With the arrival of the 2010 winter athletic season, when students participate in typically aggressive sports like basketball and hockey, it is critical for coaches to know how to recognize and respond to head injuries. Armed with a packet of crucial information put out by the Centers for Disease Control on the signs and effects of concussions, coaches are heading into the season with a greater awareness of whats' at stake.

"If an athlete gets her bell rung, she will not return to the game," says O'Connor, who is implementing a new policy which will forbid any injured player from returning to the game after a blow to the noggin. "It is not worth the risk."

According to the Children's Hospital Boston website, "most organized sports-related injuries (60 %) occur during practice." While this statistic seems high due to the nature of competition, Ursuline athletic trainer Kim Leverone says that some athletes are pushed harder at practices than games.

"Kids are literally throwing themselves out there to earn their spot on team," says Leverone, who is present at most practices and games. When it comes to the responsibility of the coaches, she has some advice: "When in doubt, get the player checked out."

In addition to educating coaches, Ursuline will also require baseline testing for each athlete. The test, which includes challenging cognitive and physical ability, will be performed by Leverone so that she may accurately recognize when a student is not at her best.

Though Ursuline is making an effort to make the dangers of concussions known to coaches and staff, it is most often the injured athlete herself who becomes her own worst enemy following an accident during play. Students are more likely to ignore prominent symptoms of a concussion to stay in the game, which is why coaches are also encouraging their players to recognize the signs.

"All concussions are serious," according to the CDC Fact Sheet for Athletes. "It is important to rest and not return to play until you get the OK from your health care professional that you are symptom free."

In short, "mind over matter" is the best way to stay in the game.