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A Virginia Parent’s Guide to Highschool Football Season and Concussion Policy
Across Hampton Roads— from Virginia Beach to Norfolk and Chesapeake—students are gearing up for football season. As this season kicks off, parents, players, and coaches need to spend time reviewing the safety procedures and what to do in the event a player sustains a concussion injury.
Concussion Laws and Policies
Virginia’s concussion laws and school-division policies exist to protect student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.
Virginia law requires school divisions to adopt concussion education, removal-from-play, and return-to-play policies for student-athletes; protocols which the Virginia Department of Education updates regularly.
The CDC has issued its own 6-Step Return To Play Progression, based on the International Concussion in Sport Guidelines. Parents play a critical role in spotting concussion symptoms early and making sure their child’s team is in compliance with all said guidelines.
Why Return-to-Play Rules Are so Important
Between football practices and games, the risk of sustaining a concussion is real. In addition to Virginia’s strict enforcement of concussion policies, the good news is that timely recognition of the symptoms and strict adherence to return-to-play rules dramatically reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms.
Quick-Glance Checklist: If You Suspect a Concussion
The following list is based on the CDC, VA law, and modern medical standards:
- Remove your child from play immediately—no same-day return.
- Seek evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.
- Monitor symptoms for 24–48 hours and limit screen time/strenuous activity.
- Get written medical clearance and follow a stepwise return-to-play plan (typically ≥24 hours per stage).
- Document what happened (opponent, play, time, symptoms) and notify coaches.
Concussion Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
Concussion symptoms may appear immediately or hours later. Common warning signs include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise
- Confusion or memory problems
- Irritability, unusual sleepiness, or behavior changes
Rule of thumb: “When in doubt, sit them out.” Long-Term Risks of Repeated Head Trauma
Most young athletes recover fully with rest and a careful, supervised return. But repeated or improperly managed concussions can lead to persistent problems with memory, mood, sleep, and school performance. Early recognition and a conservative return-to-play plan are key to lowering these risks.
The Prevention Playbook: How to Reduce Concussion Risk
- Proper-fitting gear. Helmets help reduce certain head and face injuries (they are not able to completely prevent concussions).
- Coaching technique. Emphasize heads-up tackling and no helmet-to-helmet contact.
- Smart conditioning. Strong neck/shoulder muscles help manage impact forces.
- Reinforce honesty. Make it safe for kids to report symptoms without fear of shame or losing playing time.
Concussions Are a Type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A concussion is not just “a bump on the head” it’s a form of TBI. If symptoms linger—or your child struggles with headaches, memory, mood, or schoolwork—ask your provider about a more comprehensive evaluation and “return to learn” support at school. Virginia’s guidelines expressly address academics after concussions.
Legal Options in Virginia if Concussion Safety Rules Are Ignored
Schools, leagues, and coaches must follow established safety policies. If protocols are skipped and your child is harmed, you may have legal options. Helpful items to save:
- Incident/athletic trainer reports and witness names
- Game video or practice footage, if available
- Communications with coaches or school officials
- Medical notes, imaging, and clearance forms
Deadlines apply under Virginia law, so timely advice matters.
Talk to a Virginia Concussion Lawyer
If your child’s head injury occurred or was made worse by unsafe conditions or failure to follow legal protocol, Rutter Mills can help. We have stood with Hampton Road families for decades, working to hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries they are responsible for. We can help secure the resources kids need to recover from their concussion, get justice for the wrong done to them, and thrive.
Your Lawyer Matters. Your case is worth it. Please reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Protecting Young Athletes—This Season and Beyond
Education, vigilance, and careful follow-through keep kids safer—and on track academically and athletically.
Written by:
Brother Rutter
Managing PartnerA Harvard graduate and first in his class at the University of Richmond’s Law School, Mr. Rutter was well suited for success in the legal profession. But Brother wanted to do more than win cases. He wanted to change the way law was practiced. His intellect and visionary mindset helped him do just that, turning Rutter Mills into the fastest growing personal injury firm in Hampton Roads.
“People don’t come to me on a winning streak; I am an injury lawyer. And because they may be facing the hardest time of their lives, I’m in a position to make a real difference for my clients. I take that responsibility seriously, and I welcome the challenge ahead. I believe in making things better. And I like to win.”
Concussion FAQs
Can a helmet prevent concussions?
No. Helmets reduce certain injuries but don’t prevent concussions. Technique, rules, and honest reporting still matter.
How long is return-to-play?
It varies. Using the CDC Return to Play 6-step model, after medical clearance, athletes must spend at least 24 hours symptom-free in each stage. That all depends on the severity of the concussion and the health of the student. If symptoms return at any point, it is recommended to drop back a step until you achieve the recommended 24 hours.
Do Virginia schools have to follow concussion rules?
Yes. Virginia requires school divisions to adopt policies for education, removal, and return-to-play/learn, updated biennially by the Board of Education.
Where can my child be seen locally?
If your child can’t be seen by their own doctor, then we recommend taking them to your nearest emergency room. Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters is another excellent local resource. CHKD’s Sports Concussion Program evaluates and treats young athletes across Hampton Roads.
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