Good teammates look out for each other.
That’s the premise behind the Team Up Against Concussions campaign, in which players will notify a coach or athletic trainer if they suspect a teammate might have a concussion.
USA Lacrosse has partnered with the Concussion Legacy Foundation to help promote a healthy team environment in which all players are encouraged to speak up on behalf of a teammate who may be injured.
The week of March 6-12, 2023 has been designated as Team Up Against Concussions week for youth and high school lacrosse teams across the country. USA Lacrosse encourages a coach or team leader to give the simple speech that reminds all players to take the responsibility of speaking up about concussions.
The goal of Team Up Against Concussions is for as many athletes as possible to hear the basic message that each member of a team has the responsibility to tell a coach or athletic trainer if they see concussion signs in a teammate. The speech is simple, quick, and has the power to save an athlete's season, career, or even their life.
Giving the Speech in 3 Easy Steps
1) “We’re a team and teammates look out for each other.”
2) “A teammate with a concussion needs your help.”
3) “It’s important that you speak up to a coach or an athletic trainer if you think a teammate has a concussion.”
Players or coaches can download the Speech Card here.
Teams that record video of a team member giving the speech are encouraged to share the content on social media. Videos, as well as team selfies, can be uploaded to this Google Drive folder or sent via email to Brandon Boyd at the Concussion Foundation.
A concussion is an impairment of the brain’s normal function, often caused by a blow to the head or to the body that causes a jarring of the brain. Concussions may cause alterations in cognitive function, vision, eye movement, facial movement, or speech.
Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but the effects of a concussion can change a life and the injury should be treated seriously.
Coaches can learn more about talking to their team about concussions by clicking here. Additional information about concussions is also available online at usalacrosse.org/concussion-awareness.
