SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-when-in-doubt-sit-out

A player shows signs of a concussion after a hit. What should happen first?

Take them out of play right away and have them checked by a healthcare provider.

Start playing free

  1. Let them play if they say they feel okay
  2. Wait until halftime to decide
  3. Remove them from play right away ✔

Why: Do not try to judge it yourself or let the player decide. CDC says remove the athlete right away; only a healthcare provider should assess a possible concussion.

Huh, didn't know that: Danger signs mean a trip to the emergency department right away.

The dad joke
Why did the coach carry a whistle and a clipboard? To call the plays and play it safe.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Remove them from play right away. Do not try to judge it yourself or let the player decide. CDC says remove the athlete right away; only a healthcare provider should assess a possible concussion.

  1. CDC HEADS UP, Responding to a Sports-related Concussion www.cdc.gov/heads-up/response/index.html
    Remove the athlete from sports participation right away if a concussion is suspected.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. CDC HEADS UP, Responding to a Sports-related Concussion www.cdc.gov/heads-up/response/index.html
    Only a healthcare provider should assess an athlete for a possible concussion.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. CDC HEADS UP, Responding to a Sports-related Concussion www.cdc.gov/heads-up/response/index.html
    An athlete experiencing concussion danger signs needs to go to the emergency department right away.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessCan an athlete with a suspected concussion go back in the same day?Sports & FitnessIn a senior top-division official match, how many substitutes may competition rules allow a team to use before extra time?Sports & FitnessWhich of these may be a symptom of a concussion?

That's stuff everyone should know.