Concussion Return-to-Play Log for Youth Flag Football

1. Start a log when a player is removed on suspicion of a concussion and the incident report is filed.
2. Nothing happens until written clearance from a qualified provider arrives: an MD or DO everywhere, and athletic trainers, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in many states. Record the date.
3. Move through the six steps one at a time. Each step lasts at least 24 hours, and the player advances only if symptom-free Sourced.
4. If symptoms return, stop, contact the provider, and drop back one step after rest Sourced.
5. A parent or the coach initials each step. File the finished log with the incident report.

At 24 hours per step, the minimum is about five to six days Sourced. Some states set a longer minimum, and your state statute wins. Coaches do not diagnose, and this log does not replace the provider's instructions.

The full protocol (training, the parent information sheet, remove on suspicion and record keeping) is in the youth flag football concussion protocol.