All concussions are serious.

Each day, hundreds of thousands of young athletes practice and compete in a wide variety of sports. Physical activity, sports participation, and play in general are great ways for children and teens to build and maintain healthy bones and muscles, lower their chances for depression and chronic diseases (such as diabetes), learn leadership and teamwork skills, and do well in school.9,10 However, research shows that when it comes to concussion, young athletes are at risk. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or 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 the brain cells. Most children and teens with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However, for some, symptoms may last for months or longer and can lead to short- and long-term problems affecting how a young person thinks, acts, learns, and feels. Parents, coaches, health care providers, and school professionals all play an important role in supporting young athletes so that they can thrive on the playing field, at school, and in all parts of their lives. www.cdc.gov/headsup

Bullying is frequently overlooked issue in youth sports. Addressing bullying and teaching good sportsmanship and teamwork is an issue that Nashua PAL Force takes very serious as part of our goal to promote the mental and emotional growth of our athletes.  Instances of bullying should always be reported immediately to a team's coach so it can be addressed.  Please see resources at stopbullying.org for more information.