The impacts a concussion can have on children has been a prominent topic spoken across the sporting community. Whilst there may be some reserve to allowing children to participate in sport due to the concern of injury, participating in sporting activities have many developmental benefits. It also helps children build social skills with their peers both physically and mentally.

With new research coming out, we can actively plan to reduce the risk of injury during sports, such as ensuring the child is playing at the correct age and level for their skill level. Providing the correct safety equipment for the child to participate in their sport to reduce the risk of injury. During play, it’s vital that if a child is suspected of having a concussion, they are removed from play immediately. If in doubt, sit them out.

A concussion can have minor symptoms and might not always be evident to the parents and coaches. Symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Nausea and dizziness
• Mood changes
• Sleep changes

Coaches and parents can learn more about sporting concussions through a free short online training course such as the Sport-Related Concussion Short Course, one of the courses offered by Connectivity, which educates people on recognising and managing a sport-related concussion injury.

Another great tool to help identify a concussion is the Head Check app. This app was developed to help sporting community members recognise a concussion and help manage the safe return to school, play and organised sport.

Check out our Let’s Make Sport Safer page for more information about concussions and other sport safety information. You can also head to Connectivity or Head Check for concussion-specific information.