Step 4: All the athlete to return to play only with permission from a health care professional with experience in evaluating for concussion.
A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. Prevent common long-term problems and the rare second impact syndrome by delaying the athlete’s return to the activity until the player receives appropriate medical evaluation and approval for return to play.
(Source: US Department of Health and Human Services: Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
