A concussion is a brain injury caused by a sudden impact or blow to the head, which can occur in high-contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball, as well as low-contact activities. Youths are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing, and repeated head injuries can lead to lasting issues, such as difficulty concentrating, mood changes, memory problems, and even increased sensitivity to future concussions.
At Ernst Law Group, we are dedicated to helping families understand the risks and take proactive steps to safeguard their children in sports. Below, our San Luis Obispo brain injury lawyers cover the best ways to minimize the risk of concussion in youth sports, legal options if your child is injured, and key California laws that protect young athletes.
How to protect your child from concussions
There are several effective ways to minimize the risk of concussion in youth sports, from ensuring the right equipment to promoting good sportsmanship.
1. Ensure proper protective equipment
Proper gear is the first line of defense against concussions. Ensure your child has a helmet that fits properly and meets safety standards for their sport. For example:
- Football: Helmets must meet National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) standards.
- Soccer: While helmets are not typically worn, headgear designed to cushion headers is available.
- Hockey: Ensure helmets fit snugly and have a face shield to protect from falls and impact.
Helmets are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of skull fractures but do not fully eliminate the risk of concussions. Proper gear can be a powerful tool in minimizing risk but should be part of a comprehensive safety approach.
2. Encourage good sportsmanship and safe play
Teaching children to play fairly and avoid aggressive moves that can lead to head injuries is key. Coaches, parents, and players should all promote sportsmanship, emphasizing that reckless play or “leading with the head” can increase concussion risks. For instance:
- Football: Educate players about safe tackling techniques and discourage leading with the head.
- Soccer: The U.S. Soccer Federation recommends limiting headers for younger players and practicing safe heading techniques for older players.
- Basketball: Promote body control and discourage elbowing or aggressive play near the head.
Safe play and rule enforcement are essential to creating a positive sports environment where injuries are minimized.
3. Provide and promote concussion education
Understanding and reporting concussion symptoms is crucial for players, coaches, and parents. Encourage your child to communicate if they feel dizzy, confused, or have any other concussion symptoms. California’s Youth Sports Concussion Law mandates concussion education for young athletes, parents, and coaches. This law requires:
- Annual training for coaches on identifying and managing concussions.
- Concussion information sheets for athletes and parents to review and sign.
- If a concussion is suspected, immediate removal from play is needed, and clearance from a healthcare professional is required before returning.
Educating your child about concussion risks and empowering them to speak up is one of the most effective ways to catch and address concussions early.
4. Limit contact drills and repetitive impact
For contact sports, limit the frequency of high-contact drills that put your child at risk of repeated impacts. Many youth leagues have adopted regulations limiting full-contact practices, particularly for younger age groups. This approach is essential for sports such as:
- Football: Limit full-contact drills to a certain number of hours per week.
- Soccer: U.S. Soccer recommends no headers for players under age 11 and limited headers for players aged 11-13.
- Hockey: Limit checking for younger players to reduce the risk of head trauma.
These practices ensure that players still develop skills while reducing their exposure to potential head injuries.
5. Monitor for symptoms and know when to seek medical care
If your child experiences any head impact during a game or practice, watch closely for concussion symptoms, which can sometimes take hours or even days to appear. Some common symptoms include:
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or noise
California law requires that any youth athlete suspected of having a concussion be immediately removed from play and evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to reducing the risk of long-term effects and ensuring a full recovery.
Legal protections and options if your child sustains a concussion
California law has strict guidelines for managing concussions in youth sports to protect young athletes. Under California Education Code Section 49475, schools must adhere to return-to-play protocols, ensuring that students cannot return to physical activities until cleared by a licensed healthcare provider. In cases where an organization or school fails to follow these protocols, parents may have legal options for pursuing compensation if their child suffers harm due to negligence.
If your child has been injured due to unsafe conditions, negligent coaching, or other preventable factors, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Emotional trauma and suffering
- Potential long-term impacts on cognitive or physical abilities
Consulting with an experienced attorney at Ernst Law Group can help determine whether negligence was involved and if your family can pursue a claim.
How Ernst Law Group can help
At Ernst Law Group, we are committed to protecting young athletes and supporting families dealing with the aftermath of concussions and other sports injuries. Our attorneys understand California’s concussion laws and can guide you through the process of holding responsible parties accountable. From investigating the circumstances of the injury to gathering evidence and advocating for your child’s rights, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Contact Ernst Law Group for a free consultation
If you’re wondering how to protect your child from concussions or if your child has been injured in sports, reach out to Ernst Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, discuss your legal options, and help you take steps toward justice and compensation.
