Head Knock: When in Doubt, Sit Them Out

Teams read cases of head knocks in sports and choose among three hoops on the floor: keep playing, out of the game and checked, or call 911. It teaches students to recognize a possible concussion and to stay out for the rest of the day.

How to play

1. Explanation: signs of a possible concussion (headache, dizziness, confusion, blank stare, nausea, not remembering the play, blurry vision) and red flags (loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizure, neck pain, getting worse) (5 min).
2. Teams of four with three hoops in front: 'keep playing', 'out and checked', '911' (2 min).
3. The teacher reads a case, teams discuss for 30 seconds and one member steps into the chosen hoop; they explain the answer (8 min).
4. Each team writes a case for another team (3 min).
5. Wrap-up: the golden rule, when in doubt, sit them out for the rest of the day and tell the family (2 min).

Rules

• With any concussion sign, the answer is never 'keep playing'.
• Take turns speaking within the team.
• Cases are made up, never using real classmates' names.
• Walk to the hoops, don't run.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: cases are shown in writing.
• Limited mobility: hoops are placed close by and the team votes by raising colored cards.
• Students who have had a concussion: may share their experience if they want, never required.

Learning goals

• Recognize the signs of a possible concussion.
• Know when to pull a player and when to call 911.
• Understand that return to sport must be gradual and medically cleared.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sign cards: 20
• cones: 6
• hoops: 21

Teacher tip

A person with a possible concussion should not be left alone or go home alone. Common mistake: thinking it's fine if they didn't pass out; most concussions happen without loss of consciousness.

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