What should I do when a player may be hurt or have a concussion?

Question

Accepted Answer

Stop the clock. Under NFL FLAG rules officials stop the clock for player injuries, and coaches may leave the sideline to attend to an injured player. For a possible head injury, the CDC HEADS UP guidance for sports officials is "When in doubt, get them out." If a player shows signs of a concussion after a bump, blow or jolt (looks dazed or confused, is clumsy or unsteady, answers slowly, vomits, or behaves unusually), have them removed from play right away. Call for emergency help if there are danger signs: seizures, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, or increasing confusion. A player removed for a suspected concussion shouldn't return that day; only a healthcare provider can clear them. You don't need to diagnose. Your job is to spot the signs, stop play and get the player off the field.