Concussion Recognition: What Every Parent, Coach, and Teacher Needs to Know
From weekend junior rugby leagues in Shellharbour and Saturday morning netball courts in Wollongong, to school PE classes in Kiama, sport and outdoor recreation are central to life across the Illawarra.
While contact sports, surfing, playground games, and outdoor activities keep our kids active and healthy, they also carry an inherent risk of head injuries. Knowing how to spot a concussion early—and responding quickly—can make all the difference in a young person’s recovery.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most concussions occur without any loss of consciousness at all.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms don't always appear instantly—they can develop over hours or even days following an impact.
Category | What You Might Observe (Visual Signs) | What the Person Might Report (Symptoms) |
Physical | Loss of balance, stumbling, slow reactions | Headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light/noise |
Cognitive | Confusion, forgetfulness, delayed answers | Feeling "foggy", difficulty concentrating, memory gaps |
Emotional | Uncharacteristic irritability, sadness, anxiety | Feeling unusually emotional or overwhelmed |
Immediate First Aid Actions: "If In Doubt, Sit Them Out"
If a child, player, or student sustains a blow to the head or body during a match, training, or school activity, follow these essential steps:
Stop Play Immediately: Remove the person from the field, court, or activity right away.
Never Let Them Return to Play: Do not allow a player to return on the same day if a concussion is suspected—regardless of how crucial the game is.
Check for Red Flags: Call 000 immediately if you notice any of the following critical symptoms:
Repeated vomiting
Worsening headache
Slurred speech or unequal pupil sizes
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Increasing confusion, agitation, or loss of consciousness
Seek Medical Assessment: Any suspected concussion must be evaluated by a qualified doctor before resuming sport or strenuous activity.
Supporting Recovery Across the Illawarra
Whether you are coaching a club in Dapto, teaching at a local school in Corrimal, or running weekend sports in Bulli and Thirroul, having up-to-date first aid skills ensures you can manage head injuries with confidence.
Hands-on training gives parents, educators, and sporting officials the practical experience needed to handle emergencies on and off the field.
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