Concussion Information
A guide for students and families on recognizing concussions, understanding Colorado law, and what recovery looks like — from the Cherry Creek School District & UCHealth Athletic Training Partnership.
Call 911 immediately if the athlete:
- Has a seizure or convulsion, or has persistent vomiting
- Becomes confused while thinking or speaking, or has slurred speech
- Demonstrates unnatural, uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
- Has severe head pain, dilated pupils, or cannot be woken or roused from sleep
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct impact or forceful blow to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms vary widely from person to person and may appear right away or develop over the following hours.
Signs & Symptoms
Physical
Headache
Blurred or double vision
Balance problems or dizziness
Sensitivity to light or noise
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or low energy
Sleep-Related
Sleeping more or less than usual
Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Feeling slowed down or mentally "foggy"
Emotional / Behavioral
Irritability or mood changes
Sadness or increased anxiety
How a Concussion Is Evaluated
For the most reliable outcomes, evaluations should occur within 72 hours of the injury. Athletes are evaluated using one of two tools:
SCAT6
A standardized 10–15 minute tool for athletes 13 and older, ideally used within 72 hours to 7 days of injury. Includes symptom checklists, cognitive screening, memory assessment, and balance testing. Used mainly for non-contact sports.
SWAY Concussion Program
An FDA-cleared, HIPAA-compliant mobile app that measures postural stability, reaction time, and cognitive function using smartphone motion sensors. Used for baseline and post-injury testing in contact sports.
Return-to-Play Progression
Beginning 24 hours after injury, the athlete works daily with the athletic trainer through a six-stage, symptom-guided progression. There must be at least 24 hours between each stage.
In order to move beyond stage 3, athletes must be symptom free and have MD clearance.
Relative Rest
Quiet time, avoiding symptom-provoking activities like reading, electronics, or heavy concentration. Light biking may begin 24 hours after injury.
Aerobic Activity
Light, then moderate aerobic activity (walking, stationary cycling) with gradually increasing intensity and resistance, monitored for symptom increase.
Sport-specific exercise
Moderate activity related to athlete's sport such as skating/running drills (no head contact), resistance training, conditioning. Monitored for symptom increase.
Cannot move beyond stage 3 without a clearance note from an approved provider. Athlete must ALSO be symptom free.
Non-Contact Training Drills
More complex, non-contact training drills. Requires MD clearance and symptom-free status.
Full-Contact Practice
A full, complete practice. Athletes cannot compete in a game the same day as this stage.
Return to Sport
Full, unrestricted return to competition after 24 symptom-free hours following full-contact practice.
Your Student-Athlete's Support Team
Most adolescents recover within a few weeks. A multidisciplinary team coordinates care to ensure a safe return to school and sport. The athletic trainer serves as the central point of communication.
Athletic Trainer
Evaluates for concussion, refers for further care, monitors and progresses status, manages return-to-play, and communicates with all stakeholders.
School Nurse
Communicates with the player and athletic trainer, and updates status and educational modifications.
Approved Healthcare Provider
Evaluates the concussion, monitors player status, communicates with stakeholders, and provides return-to-play clearance.
Coaches
Communicate with the player, athletic trainer, and parents throughout recovery.
What Parents & Guardians Should Do
✓ List any prior concussions on the mandated pre-participation exam before your student competes — the athletic trainer needs this history.
✓ If your student-athlete has suffered a concussion, send all medical notes to the athletic trainer to keep their status current.
✓ Communicate directly with the athletic trainer if you have questions or concerns at any point in the process.
✓ A written clearance from a healthcare provider allows a full-contact practice, but does not release your student from the full return-to-play protocol — every stage and 24-hour waiting period still applies.
Colorado Law: The Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act
Colorado Senate Bill 11-040, signed into law in 2011, sets the requirements our athletic programs follow to keep student-athletes safe.
✓ Coaches complete an annual concussion-education course
✓ Athletes are removed from play immediately if a concussion is suspected
✓ Parents or legal guardians are notified if an athlete is removed from participation
✓ An athlete may not return to play until cleared by an approved healthcare provider
Approved Healthcare Providers
A Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Licensed Nurse Practitioner (NP), Licensed Physician Assistant (PA), or a Licensed Psychologist trained in neuropsychology or concussion evaluation and management.