My player says they feel fine now. Can they go back in?

Question

Accepted Answer

No. CDC HEADS UP and NFHS guidance both say an athlete with a suspected concussion must not return to play on the day of the injury, however they feel. They stay out until a health care provider clears them. Signs and symptoms can take hours or days to appear, so feeling fine on the sideline doesn't rule out a concussion. A second hit before the brain has recovered can slow recovery, increase the chance of long-term problems and, in rare cases, cause fatal brain swelling and bleeding (NFHS). Athletes should never "tough out" a concussion, and teammates, coaches and parents should never encourage them to play through symptoms. When in doubt, sit them out.