‘I just want to keep playing:’ Why youth athletes under-report concussion symptoms

Concussion symptoms are often non-specific and may be attributed to something else, like dehydration or the heat, and young people may feel they can play through it or walk it off. (Shutterstock)

Despite ongoing advocacy and education about the risks of concussions from organizations like the Sport Information Resource Centre, Hockey Canada, and legislation like Rowan’s Law, many young athletes still hesitate, or even neglect, to disclose symptoms when they are hurt.

Between one-third to over one-half of youth sport participants have indicated they did not tell someone in charge that they had concussion symptoms during play. That means they are at risk of further harm and longer recovery.