Centers for Disase Control and Prevention ("CDC") has put together very good training on Concussion Awareness. The course takes about 25 minutes and you will receive a certificate upon completion. It is strongly recommended that all coaches take this training. Once complete, please upload the certificate to your coaching profile.

This training will help you:

• Understand a concussion and the potential consequences of this injury,
• Recognize concussion signs and symptoms and how to respond,
• Learn about steps for returning to activity (play and school) after a concussion, and
• Focus on prevention and preparedness to help keep athletes safe season-to-season.

Click here for the CDC training on concussion awareness

Concussion Training for all Coaches/Managers is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

We can help athletes stay active and healthy by knowing the facts about concussion and when it is safe for athletes to return to play. By taking this free, online course and using what you learn, you will be well positioned to improve the culture of concussion.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury ("TBI") caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Concussions Are Serious

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a "mild" brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious, even fatal.

"When in Doubt, Sit it out"

If a coach suspects or knows that a player suffered a concussion or other brain injury during game play, he/she must immediately pull that player from game play, seek proper medical attention for the injured player, and review and complete these forms from the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA):

CDC HeadsUp Concussion Training

If you have to create a new account, when having to select a group or organization, choose "Other", and then "Non-profit (except Healthcare)".

CJSA Procedure and Protocol for Concussion

CJSA Concussion Notification Form

Printable handouts and fact cards from the CDC:

COACH's Fact Sheet on Concussions

Coach's Clipboard Reference Card on Concussions

Action Plan for Concussion Injuries

PARENTAL fact sheet on Concussions