It's No Big Deal ... He Just Got His Bell Rung

If you've had a coach or pediatrician say these words to you, you might be in trouble. The fact that brain injury occurs with multiple hits to the head in sports is now widely documented and accepted. We know about Muhammed Ali, Evander Holyfield and a slew of professional athletes but

What about kids?

What do parents need to know, just in case?

If your child is playing a contact sport, make sure their equipment and gear meets safety standards. Consider purchasing your own equipment; make sure helmets fit properly and are in good condition (no cracks or holes).

Know the team's policy on getting hit in the head:

  • Are players required to see a doctor?
  • Are players required to sit out a certain number of games?
  • Is a doctor's note required for return to play?
  • Does the team make sure that parents are notified of all suspected concussions?


If your child does get hit in the head ...see your doctor AND be vigilant. Get specific recommendations, ask questions and request follow up. Have the doctor put the incident in your child's record. Letting it go so that the child can return to practice sooner is foolish (for parents), negligent (for physicians) and dangerous (for kids).

Remember, your brain is most vulnerable immediatley after a concussion. Rest, wait a minimum of 72 hours or until all symptoms are gone.

Sure, kids get hurt on occasion playing sports. As parents, we have to prevent further injuries and take responsibility for monitoring those we can't as closely as we possibly can.