Our stepwise guidelines for bringing an athlete back to sport and back to school after a concussion, written so team staff, parents, and the athlete can follow the same plan.
Both ladders work the same way. The athlete moves up only when the current step is tolerated, and recovery is individual to the athlete and their injury.
Each return-to-play step takes place over a 24-hour period. With a normal recovery, the six steps take six days from symptom-limited activity to game clearance.
If concussion symptoms significantly increase in intensity, stop the activity immediately.
Rest until symptoms improve, for a minimum of 24 hours, then start again from the same step.
Full contact and game play need clearance from a medical doctor. No step replaces that.
Six recommended steps, each taking place over a 24-hour period. With a normal recovery that is six days from symptom-limited activity to game clearance.
If the athlete experiences a significant increase or "spike" in concussion symptoms, they should stop the activity immediately, rest until symptoms improve (minimum of 24 hours), and start again from the same step. Return to play will be individual to the athlete and their injury.
Six steps from limited cognitive activity back to a full school workload.
*Cognitive activity includes puzzles, Sudoku, word games, school assignments and tests, reading, texting, video games, computer use, television, and conversations.
For the organizations we work with, these ladders sit inside a complete concussion protocol: baseline testing before the season, assessment after an injury, and a managed return led by our clinical team. If your organization needs one, we build it with your medical, coaching, and executive staff.
Team-wide baseline testing, return-to-play protocols, and organizational health policy held to the standard elite competition demands.