Definition:
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This may result in altered mental function and a wide range of signs and symptoms. Athletes who continue to play while still experiencing symptoms of concussion are at significant risk for re-injury, permanent brain injury and even death.
 
Recognizing Concussion:
All individuals involved with teams and sport activities, including players, coaches, parents, organizers, league officials, and referees/game officials should be educated about the signs and symptoms of concussion so that they can recognize the injury, remove the athlete from activity, and refer the athlete to a qualified medical professional for examination prior to allowing the athlete to return to play.

Remember: When in doubt, sit it out!

• Sport Concussion Library
• Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2)
  
• CATA Concussion Wise courses - FREE for athletes, parents and coaches
  
• Information about Connecticut's Concussion Law
  
• Information about Concussions
  
• Concussion Signs & Symptoms Card for Coaches
  
• Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: 3rd Int’l. Conference on Concussion in Sport, Zurich
  
• 2010 CDC Study: Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States
  
• Connecticut Concussion Task Force (CCTF) 
  
• The William W. Backus Hospital - Concussions in Youth Sports Video
  
• Article: Concussion Debate at the Forefront of Youth Sports