Concussions are more than just a bump to the head. They’re a type of brain injury that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and moves. And while they often happen in sport, concussions can occur from any force to the body that causes the brain to move quickly inside the skull—even without a direct hit to the head.
Whether you’re a parent, coach, teammate or player, knowing how to recognise and respond to concussion can make a big difference.
A concussion happens when a blow to the head – or a hit elsewhere on the body – sends force to the brain. This sudden movement can temporarily affect brain function. It is important to note that a concussion can occur with only a minor “knock”.
Symptoms recognised within the Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT6) might include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Fatigue or low energy
Memory difficulties or cdifficulty concentrating
Feeling emotional or irritable
Important: You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Between 2021 and 2022 the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that:
While only a medical professional can diagnose a concussion, others – like coaches, parents, and teammates can look for warning signs.
If someone hits their head or body and seems “not quite right,” it’s time to take action. Watch for:
Appearing dazed, confused or unsteady
Holding their head or complaining of headache
Seeming more emotional, tired, or irritable than usual
Struggling with concentration or memory
Saying they “just don’t feel right”
The Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6) is a simple way to check for symptoms. You can view it here:
https://sma.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Concussion-Recognition-Tool-CRT6.pdf
Seek emergency medical care immediately if any of the following occur:
Neck pain
Repeated vomiting
Seizure or convulsion
Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
Severe or increasing headache
Confusion or unusual behaviour
Loss of vision or double vision
Loss of consciousness
If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and refer for medical review.
Recognise something’s not right
Remove the player from activity immediately
Refer to a qualified health professional
They should:
Be monitored for at least 3 hours
Avoid alcohol, drugs, driving, or being sent home alone
Rest for 24–48 hours (physical and cognitive rest)
Even if symptoms are mild, a healthcare review is essential.
Yes—but not straight away.
After a concussion, it’s important to gradually return to school, work, and physical activity, based on symptoms. Rushing back too soon can increase the risk of further injury and slow recovery.
This is the process outlined in the Australian Concussion Guidelines (2024):
Rest (24–48 hours, no training or contact)
Light daily activities (e.g. school or reading)
Light aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, gentle cycling)
Sport-specific exercise (e.g. running drills, no head impact)
Non-contact training (build skills and confidence)
Medical review (before progressing to full contact)
Full-contact training (only with medical clearance)
Return to competition simulation
Return to full competition
Key rules:
Minimum 14 days symptom-free before returning to full-contact training
Minimum 21 days before returning to match play or competition
Every concussion is different. Some symptoms may show up straight away, while others take hours—or even days—to appear.
The best thing we can all do? Stay vigilant. Take any hit to the head seriously. And always remember:
If in doubt, sit them out.
Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport (2024): https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1133994/37382_Concussion-Guidelines-for-community-and-youth-FA-acc-v2.pdf
Sports Medicine Australia: Concussion Resources: https://sma.org.au/
Blog updated – 10 February 2025
