Concussions in High School Sports: What Every Parent and Athlete Needs to Know
High school sports provide incredible opportunities for student-athletes to develop skills, build teamwork, and stay active. But along with benefits comes the risk of injury—especially concussions. A recent study shed light on the alarming frequency of these injuries, particularly in boys’ football and girls’ soccer.
Concussion Rates Are Higher Than You May Think
Researchers analyzed concussion data from high school sports between 2018 and 2023 and found that 4,663 concussions were reported over a five-year period. The highest rates were found in:
- Boys’ football (8.22 concussions per 10,000 athlete-exposures)
- Girls’ soccer (6.11 concussions per 10,000 athlete-exposures)
What’s even more concerning is that girls’ sports had higher concussion rates than boys’ sports in gender-comparable activities. This means female athletes may be at greater risk, yet their injuries may not always be taken as seriously.
Why Concussions Are a Big Deal
A concussion is more than just a “bump on the head.” It’s a traumatic brain injury that can have long-term effects on memory, concentration, mood, and even a student’s ability to perform in school. If a concussion isn’t properly managed, returning to play too soon can increase the risk of second-impact syndrome, a life-threatening condition where the brain swells rapidly after a second injury.
If your child has suffered a concussion due to negligence—such as inadequate safety protocols, poor supervision, or pressure to return to play too soon—you may have legal options. Tom Duffy once obtained $36,000,000 for a student who suffered a paralyzing injury on a field trip. If you or a loved one have been injured at a sports event or practice and you are unsure of your legal rights, contact a top Philadelphia athletic injury attorney.