How long must a child or teenager be symptom-free before returning to contact sport?

For youth (under 19) and community sport, the AIS Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024 sets:

• 14 days symptom-free (at rest) as the minimum stand-down before returning to contact training.
• A minimum of 21 days before returning to competitive contact.

Children and adolescents recover more slowly than adults, so a conservative approach applies. Symptoms usually resolve in under four weeks, and the AIS says a child or adolescent should be completely free of symptoms for at least 14 days before contact or collision activities.

For adults, the AIS coach and parent pages specify 24-48 hours of relative rest before a gradual return to activity.