Concussion Benchmarking Report: K-12

Concussions present a high-level risk to United Educators’ (UE’s) members, and efforts to protect student-athletes are continually evolving. Actions and best practices taken before, during, and after a concussion can help to mitigate the injury and protect student athletes’ health.

In 2019, 236 K-12 members participated in a UE survey about practices related to concussions and athletics including training and education, clinical care, and legal and policy issues. Data revealed trends showing both common protective practices and opportunities for improvement.

• About 57% of respondents require baseline testing for all sports — varsity/JV and intramural sports.
• Among respondents, 24% said their school doesn’t confirm an athlete with a concussion has someone such as a roommate, parent, friend, or medical professional, with them and observing them for the first 24 hours following the concussion.
• The most common consideration for permanent retirement of student-athletes is when evidence that a head or neck injury would increase the risk of future concussions (88.9%).