What does Canada Soccer say about returning a player to soccer after a concussion?
Guideline- Canada
- Canada Soccer
- Grassroots Standards
- Grassroots soccer
- U12
- 2026
- Coaches
Canada Soccer's Guide to Safety sets out a Return to Soccer strategy. Players may progress through the stages at different rates, and stages 2 to 4 should each take a minimum of 24 hours in adults and longer in those 18 and under.
- Stage 0 Rest, Stage 1 Symptom limited: no training; daily activities that do not provoke symptoms.
- Stage 2 Light exercise: walking, light jogging, swimming or stationary cycling; no soccer.
- Stage 3 Soccer-specific exercise: simple running drills; no head impact activities and no heading.
- Stage 4 Non-contact training: passing, change of direction, shooting, small-sided games; no head impact activities and no heading. Youth must be back at full-time school activities and have a repeat medical assessment first.
- Stage 5 Full contact practice: normal training, including tackling and heading.
- Stage 6 Game play.
If new or worsening symptoms appear, go back to the previous stage. A youth with recovery lasting more than 4 weeks should be assessed and managed by a medical doctor experienced in sport-related concussions.
Source: Canada Soccer Guide to Safety (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CanadaSoccer_Guide_Safety_EN.pdf)
Added 25 Oct 2026