Concussion Check: When in Doubt, Sit Them Out
Students play a small-sided team handball game in which some players secretly get a card with concussion symptoms to act out. Observers must spot them, remove the player and ask check questions, learning that when in doubt, a player never goes back in.
How to play
- Intro (4 min): the teacher reviews concussion signs after a blow to the head: dizziness, blank stare, confusion, headache, nausea or clumsiness.
- Four teams of 6: two play a 5v5 no-contact team handball game and two watch from the sideline with observation checklists; each observer watches one player.
- Before each block, the teacher gives one or two players a scenario card with symptoms to act out subtly starting at minute 1.
- 4-minute blocks: if an observer notices something off, they raise a hand, the teacher stops play and the observer removes the player and asks five questions: where are we, which half is it, who scored last, what day is it and how do you feel.
- After each block, reveal who had a card; score points for correct spots and switch roles, for 4 blocks total (about 18 minutes).
- Wrap-up (3 min): make clear that anyone with a possible concussion does not return to play that day and must be evaluated by a doctor.
Rules
- No-contact team handball: no bumping, grabbing or shots at the head.
- Act out symptoms without falling or diving to the floor.
- When in doubt, the player comes out and does not return to that game.
- Ask the removed player questions calmly, with them seated.
Variations
Easier
Symptoms are obvious and the game is passing only, with no goalie.
Standard
Small-sided game with subtle symptoms and five check questions.
Harder
Add false-alarm cards; observers must justify their decision in writing.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student serves as lead observer and interviews the removed player.
- Shy students: pair them with another observer to decide together before raising a hand.
- Lower fitness: play goalie or rotate in frequently.
Learning goals
- Recognize the signs of a possible concussion.
- Remove a teammate from play by applying the when-in-doubt rule.
- Ask simple orientation questions to an affected player.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handball: 1
- pinnies: 12
- scenario cards: 10
- observation checklists: 12
Teacher tip
Use this to break down the idea that "if they can get up, they can keep playing." Give the cards to students who can act subtly and remind them nobody goes to the ground.
PatioLab has "Concussion Check: When in Doubt, Sit Them Out" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for High School
1-2-3 Touch Cooperative Rally
Two groups of three, one on each side of the net, work together to keep the longest rally possible in three phases: one touch, two touches, and three touches per side.
1-2-3-2-1 Running Pyramid Intervals
An interval workout where the fast segments build from 1 to 3 minutes and back down, with half that time as jogging recovery.
1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball
One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.
10-20-30 interval running in pairs
The 10-20-30 method strings together 30 seconds of easy jogging, 20 at a moderate pace and 10 at top speed, in five-minute blocks.
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce.
2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender
Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.