USA Football

USA Football, a non-profit organization leading the sport’s development on a grassroots level, has joined 25 other youth sports entities to team-up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect young athletes from concussion.

The campaign, “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports,” expands efforts of previous teenager-geared CDC campaigns to athletes of all ages.

“We are committed to the safety of all youngsters playing America’s favorite sport,” says USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK.  “Working with the CDC is consistent with our goal of partnering with category leaders for the betterment of the game.

“This campaign places information about how to identify and manage a concussion directly into the hands of the people that need it the most – coaches, parents, and athletes.”

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that can change how the brain normally works.  It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. 

The goal of CDC’s “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” initiative – designed for all youth sports – is to equip coaches, parents, and fellow athletes with the information needed to recognize and respond to concussions. 

This information is conveniently concentrated in a free tool kit, which contains:

•   A clipboard with quick-reference information to recognize and respond to a suspected concussion

•     A fact sheet for coaches

•     A fact sheet for athletes

•     A fact sheet for parents

•     A magnet with concussion facts for coaches and parents

•     A poster with concussion facts for coaches and sport administrators; and

•     A quiz for coaches, athletes, and parents.

The “Heads Up” tool kit can be ordered or downloaded free of charge at: http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports.

Additional fact sheet copies may be ordered at: http://www.cdc.gov/ConcussionInYouthSports.

For more information about how to prevent or respond to concussion symptoms, visit www.USAFootball.com or the CDC Injury Center’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/injury.

About USA Football

USA Football is a non-profit organization leading the development and growth of youth, high school, and international amateur football.  In its role as the sport’s national governing body, USA Football, endowed by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002, provides programs and resources to inspire participation and improve the quality of the sport.  For more information, go to www.USAFootball.com.