A negative concussion culture is a team environment where athletes don't feel comfortable talking about concussions. This can prevent athletes from reporting possible concussions to a coach, athletic trainer, or team physician.
A recent study found the top ten reasons why athletes don't report possible concussions. Read the factors that create a negative concussion culture ranked below, along with solutions you can implement to make sure your athletes know what is expected of them. As a team leader, you have the power to set a positive concussion culture, starting with the Team Up Speak Up Speech.
I didn't think it was serious
Treat concessions more seriously than we would treat a broken arm or a broken leg. Brain injuries are serious. Brains don't heal like limbs do.
I didn't want to lose playing time
Explain that the best way to keep playing time is to make a full recovery and the best way to do that is to immediately stop playing after a concussion.
I didn't want to let my team down
Commend players who report concussion for their bravery and teamwork.
I didn't know at the time it was a concussion
Educate players on the signs and symptoms of a concussion and encourage teammates to look out for signs during games and practices.
I didn't want to have to go to the doctor
Inform your team that seeing a mdecail professional is key to recovering from a concussion.
It was the end of the season; I didn't want to miss a game
Stress that long-term health is much more important than any one game or season.
I thought my coach would think I'm weak
Tell athletes that reporting concussions is tough, smart, and courageous thing to do. Coaches set the team culture.
I thought my teammates would think I'm weak
Involve the entire team in the messaging about the seriousness of concussions. Athletes should know that there is no such thing as a tough brain.
I thought my coach would get mad
Praise earnest concussion reporting. Never punish or doubt an athlete with a concussion and keep athletes thinking positively in their recovery.
My team was going to the playoffs when it happened
Emphasize that long-term health is more important than the results of the game or seasonn.
