Head

Your brain runs everything

Your brain controls how you think, move, see, and remember. Every pass, shot, and sprint starts there.

That's why protecting it matters more than protecting almost anything else.

Your skull is a helmet you were born with

The skull is the hard bone around your brain. It blocks bumps and scrapes from the outside.

Your brain floats in cushion fluid

Between your skull and brain is a layer of fluid. It works like a cushion so your brain doesn't bump the skull during normal moves.

But a really hard hit or jolt can make the brain move too fast for the fluid to stop it.

A concussion is a brain injury

A concussion happens when a bump, blow, or jolt makes your brain move quickly back and forth inside your skull.

It can change how your brain works for a while, even if you can't see anything wrong from the outside.

Know the warning signs

Headache, feeling dizzy, blurry vision, feeling sick to your stomach, feeling foggy or slow, and trouble remembering are all signs.

Bright lights or loud noises bothering you more than usual can be a sign too.

Myth or fact?

• You can only get a concussion from a hit to the head. Myth. A hard hit to the body can also whip your head back and forth fast enough to cause a concussion.
• You have to get knocked out to have a concussion. Myth. Most concussions happen without getting knocked out. You can stay awake and still have one.
• Concussion signs always show up right away. Myth. Signs can show up right away, or hours or even days later. Keep paying attention to how you feel after a hit.

Wear the right helmet, the right way

Use the helmet made for your sport. It should fit snug, sit level on your head, and be buckled every time.

Helmets help protect against more serious head injuries, like skull fractures.

Play by the rules

A lot of sports rules exist to protect your head, like no hits to the head and no tackling with the top of your helmet.

Keep your head up and never lead with your head when you tackle or block.

Myth or fact?

• A good helmet makes you concussion-proof. Myth. No helmet can fully prevent a concussion. Helmets help a lot, but safe play still matters.
• Only football players need to worry about concussions. Myth. Concussions happen in lots of sports, like soccer, basketball, hockey, wrestling, lacrosse, and cheer. Everyone should know the signs.

When in doubt, sit it out

If you might have a concussion, stop playing right away. Don't go back in the same day, even if you start to feel better.

A second hit before your brain heals can make things much worse.

Coming back takes steps

After a concussion, you go back to school first, then slowly add activity: walking, light running, practice, then games.

A doctor decides when you're ready for each step.

Myth or fact?

• If you hit your head but feel fine, it's safe to keep playing. Myth. Concussion signs can show up later. Sit out and tell an adult so you can get checked.
• Once your headache is gone, you can play in the next game no matter what. Myth. Feeling better is a good sign, but only a doctor can say your brain is ready. Return to play happens step by step.