Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. As many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions are estimated to occur in the United States each year.

To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, CDC developed the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions—a type of traumatic brain injury—to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports. The "Heads Up" initiative provides important information on preventing, recognizing, and responding to a concussion.

CDC wants to equip coaches, parents, and young athletes across the country with the "Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports" tool kit, which contains a:

• fact sheet for coaches on concussion;

• fact sheet for athletes on concussion;

• fact sheet for parents on concussion;

• clipboard with concussion facts for coaches;

• magnet with concussion facts for coaches and parents;

• poster with concussion facts for coaches and sports administrators; and

• quiz for coaches, athletes, and parents to test their concussion knowledge.

You can download the materials or request a free tool kit online.

More Information and Resources

• Tool Kit on Concussion for High School Coaches

• Nonfatal Traumatic Brain Injuries from Sports and Recreation Activities — United States, 2001–2005 (MMWR, July 27, 2007)

• Concussion and Sports Fact Sheet ( 2 page, 216KB)

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Facts Sheets