Know this: developing brains are more susceptible to permanent injury than those of older players. Additionally, the multi-tasking abilities of young athletes, and their relative lack of neck strength, put young athletes at greater risk for receiving a damaging collision in the first place.
Detailed info from the CDC, including free online concussion training for youth coaches and parents: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/
If your player exhibits any of these symptoms following any collision, get them to an emergency room as soon as possible.
- increased confusion
- severe headache
- vision problems, i.e. blurred vision or spots
- memory loss / problems
- sensitivity to light / noise
- ringing in the ears
- mood/ mental changes
- inappropriate emotions
- balance / coordination decreases
- inappropriate fatigue
- loss of consciousness or inability to wake up.
Return to play - you should have your young athlete cleared by a professional with specific training in sports concussions. The science around young athletes and concussions is advancing so rapidly that not all ER or GP doctors are well equipped to clear an athlete. Returning to action too quickly can result in secondary damage, which is far more severe and can lead to permanent injury and even death. Ultimately you the parent are ultimately responsible for the health of your child - when in doubt sit them out.