After a head injury or concussion, when can my athlete compete again?

USA Taekwondo sets mandatory time out of competition for athletes Cadet age (12-14) and younger:

• An athlete who is knocked out, loses consciousness for any length of time, or doesn't pass all neurological tests by USATKD sports medicine staff within 20 minutes of the head contact:
  • can't continue that day
  • is out for 50 days
• A second concussion within 90 days: 90-day suspension. A third within 180 days: 180-day suspension.
• Any athlete who can't continue a match because of a serious injury (to any part of the body) can't compete for 30 days unless a USATKD-designated doctor certifies they've recovered.
• An athlete hit in the head hard enough to need medical staff must stay under observation for at least 20 minutes.
• Before returning, the athlete must be checked by their own doctor and show a written release. No activity at all (running, weights, taekwondo) until every symptom has cleared.

In No Head Contact and Light Head Contact divisions: if a hard head kick leaves an athlete unable to continue, the athlete can't compete in any more sparring that day and must have a full concussion assessment. They're out of sparring for 50 days (14 and under) unless fully cleared, and need clearance from a USATKD-designated concussion specialist before returning.

Most states also have youth concussion laws that set their own return-to-play steps.