The short answer: If a head injury is suspected in youth football, remove the child from play at once, do not let them return the same day, and seek medical assessment. When in doubt, sit them out, as young brains need extra time to recover.
How do you recognise a concussion?
Concussion can follow a knock to the head, face, neck or body and does not require loss of consciousness. Symptoms may appear immediately or over hours.
- Headache, dizziness or feeling dazed
- Nausea, blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Confusion, memory problems or slow responses
- Unusual irritability, drowsiness or emotional changes
What should you do if you suspect one?
Apply the principle: if in doubt, sit them out. Remove the child from play immediately and do not allow a same-day return regardless of how they say they feel. Watch for worsening symptoms and seek urgent care if there is repeated vomiting, increasing drowsiness, seizures or weakness.
Inform the coach and school so the child is supported with rest from screens, study and sport as advised.
How should a child return to football?
Return should be gradual and stepwise, only progressing when symptom-free at each stage. Children are usually advised to take a more cautious timeline than adults.
- Rest, then light daily activities
- Light aerobic exercise, then football-specific drills
- Non-contact training, then full contact
- Return to matches only after medical clearance
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