Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a concussion is "a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a 'ding,' 'getting your bell rung,' or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious."

Additionally:

• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.
• Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.

Coaches, parents, referees, and athletes are all encouraged to learn more about concussions to take steps to prevent, identify, and treat concussions. Information and educational material from AYSO and the CDC can be found below:

• Training for coaches, referees, and volunteers is highly encouraged. The CDC training has now been integrated into AYSO's safe haven training.
• The CDC Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports website details concussion symptoms and provide fact sheets and clipboard materials for coaches, parents, and players.

The following documents are reference documents that coaches, parents, and players can use to assist in the identification and treatment of traumatic brain injuries.

Coaches' Clipboard Checklist - contains lists of symptoms observed by coaches and reported by athletes as well as actions to take if a traumatic brain injury is suspected. Coaches are encouraged to keep this with them on clipboards for quick access.

Coaches' Fact Sheet - details symptoms of TBI and actions in greater detail. Coaches are encouraged to print and read this periodically.

Parents' Fact Sheet - Explains to parents what to look for in a TBI and what steps they should be taking when a concussion is suspected. Coaches are encouraged to print copies and hand to parents of players that they suspect may have been exposed to a TBI.

Athlete's Fact Sheet - Explains to athletes the signs and symptoms of TBI, what they should do when they have a concussion, and steps that they can take to prevent a concussion. Recommended for distribution to all players.