So, one of your players just got dinged. He's not lying unconscious on the field, so you don't know whether he's injured or not. Do you leave him in the game and see how well he does? Pull him out for a minute or two and ask him how he feels? Tell the trainer or team doctor to check him out? Call an ambulance? You sure don't want to leave him in the game if he's hurt, but you also don't want to pull him out because he's your star player. How can you balance all of these concerns without over reacting? For his sake, you don't want him to play hurt; for the team's sake, you don't want to pull him and jeopardize the whole game; for your sake, you don't want the player's lawyer to call you tomorrow to sue you.
Tough questions with no simple yes or no answers. You know every head injury has to be taken seriously, so what can you do to protect everyone as much as possible? Here are some of the possible directions this situation may lead.
Yes he can! A person doesn't have to be knocked unconscious to have a concussion. In fact, the vast majority of concussions do not include loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness doesn't even seem to be a good indicator of how serious a concussion is. Its a good idea to pull him out and take a look at him.
Wrong! It's the grogginess that should caution you. That's just one of the many symptoms and signs of a concussion. For more information, see the article "Concussion Signs and Symptoms."
Wrong! The slowness to respond and the dullness of his eyes are more symptoms of a concussion. Players sometimes don't feel the symptoms, and sometimes they deny symptoms so they can stay in the game. Depend on your judgment, not his.
