How can I prepare for the
sports season?

An important consideration in the prevention of concussion involves education and management before the season begins. Sports coaches and school management can takes steps to ensure that student-athletes, parents and school staff know what concussion is and how to deal with it.

1. Educate the school and the community

  • Ensure that signs and symptoms of concussion can be recognized

  • Take every concussion seriously

  • Inform coaching staff to be vigilant in monitoring players for concussive symptoms

  • Organize an information session for parents and coaches run by the ImPACT Accredited psychologist responsible for your schools concussion program

2. Coordinate with school officials

  • Ensure that medical teams are on standby at matches and practices

  • Involve the principal, sports trainers, school nurses and parent-teacher associations

3. Construct a concussion-management protocol

  • With the assistance of the ImPACT psychologist, draw up an action plan to assist you when a concussion occurs

  • Establish a protocol that satisfies the unique needs of your school, for example: Where will you refer the concussed athlete? Who will take them there? What is the name of the Trauma Unit and where is it situated? Who is the Doctor in charge?

  • Ensure that you have names and numbers of Medical Practitioners and ImPACT psychologists available on hand 

4. Encourage Pre-season “Baseline” testing with ImPACT

  • Conduct baseline testing well before the season begins

  • Ensure that your ImPACT psychologist educates the school on concussion management

5. Adopt a “Safety-First” approach

  • Teach athletes safe playing techniques and encourage them to follow rules of play

  • Discourage unsportsman-like conduct and promote fair-play and respect for opponents and fellow team members.

  • Teach athletes of the consequences of playing while injured

  • Prevent second-impact syndrome by ensuring your player does not compete if they have sustained a concussion

  • Adhere to advice from your Medical Practitioner

6. Ensure that players are healthy enough to participate and have undergone a medical evaluation.