What visible signs of concussion should I watch for?

Any one or more of these visible clues after a knock can indicate concussion. The player should be removed from play immediately:

• Loss of consciousness or responsiveness
• Lying motionless on the ground or slow to get up
• Unsteady on their feet, balance problems, falling over or poor co-ordination
• Grabbing or clutching their head
• Dazed, blank or vacant look
• Confused or not aware of plays or events
• Slow to respond to questions
• More emotional or irritable than normal for that person
• Seizure or convulsion on impact
• Tonic posturing: lying rigid or motionless due to muscle spasm (may look unconscious)
• Vomiting

Spotting head impacts can be hard in fast-moving sports, so the guidelines make it everyone's responsibility (players, coaches, teachers, referees, spectators and families) to watch out for suspected concussion.