Physical Education, Sports Medicine and Doping Studies

Concussion Protocols in Sports

Concussions are among the most complex and prevalent injuries in contact and high-impact sports, posing short- and long-term health risks. Effective concussion protocols are essential for timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and safe return-to-play decisions. This session explores current best practices in concussion management, including baseline testing, sideline assessment tools, neurocognitive evaluations, and recovery timelines. It highlights interdisciplinary collaboration among coaches, sports physicians, and neuropsychologists to ensure athlete safety. Emphasis is placed on policy development, athlete and coach education, and emerging research in brain injury biomarkers. With rising awareness, effective concussion protocols are vital to preserving both health and performance.