Concussion in youth sport: what every parent should know

By Geoff Scott, Founder & Senior Physiotherapist, Hauora

Concussion is a brain injury, and in young athletes it deserves careful, consistent management. The reassuring news is that with the right approach most young people recover fully. The danger comes from returning too soon. Managing concussion in youth sport properly protects a young brain that is still developing.

Signs of concussion in youth sport

A concussion does not always involve losing consciousness. Look for headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in mood or sleep, in the hours and days after a knock.

The golden rule for concussion in youth sport

If in doubt, sit them out. A young athlete suspected of concussion should stop immediately and not return to play that day under any circumstances.

Managing recovery

• Rest in the first 24 to 48 hours, then gradually reintroduce activity
• Follow a staged return-to-learn and return-to-play process
• Only progress when each stage is symptom-free
• Get a professional assessment before full contact resumes

Our team manages graded return-to-play for athletes of all ages. If your child has had a head injury, an early assessment gives you a clear, safe plan.

Backed by evidence, not habit

This is not guesswork. NHS guidance on head injury and concussion is clear about one thing: any suspected head injury needs careful monitoring. It should never mean a quick return to play. We follow the same graded, staged approach used across the wider return to sport process our team manages. Concussion in youth sport is different from an adult injury because young brains are still developing. Coaches, teachers and parents all play a role in noticing changes and encouraging patience over pressure. Keeping good records of the incident and the days that follow also helps whoever assesses your child make a faster, more confident decision about when it is truly safe to return.