When to Sit This One Out: Concussion Awareness at SUP

Written By Camila Maisonet

A short ball drops. You sprint forward, dive for the save—and your head hits the floor.

You sit up. The rally stops. Everyone asks if you’re okay. Maybe you have a headache. Maybe you feel a little foggy or dizzy. Maybe you just don’t feel quite right.

The score is close, you want to keep playing, and your competitive side kicks in.

That’s when you sit this one out.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

Volleyball may not be a contact sport, but that does not mean head injuries cannot happen. A collision with another athlete, a ball to the head or face, or contact with the floor, wall, pole, or equipment can all happen during play or training.

The important part is knowing what to look for—and what to do next.

Know the Signs

Concussion symptoms do not always appear immediately. Some can develop hours or even days after an impact.
You might feel:

  • Headache or pressure in your head

  • Dizziness or balance problems

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Blurry or double vision

  • Sensitivity to light or noise

  • Tired or drowsy

  • Foggy, slowed down, or confused

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering

  • Simply “not right”

Someone else might notice that you:

  • Appear dazed or confused

  • Respond more slowly than usual

  • Repeat questions

  • Have trouble remembering what happened

  • Have difficulty with balance or coordination

  • Show changes in behavior

You do not need to check every box. If something feels off after a hit to the head or body, take it seriously.

If You Think It Might Be a Concussion

Stop playing. Not after the set. Not after one more point. Not after seeing whether you can shake it off.

If a concussion is suspected, step off the court and get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Do not return to volleyball until you have been medically cleared to begin doing so.

Getting back on the court should also be gradual—not a jump from “I feel better” straight into full competition. Return-to-sport guidance progresses from normal daily activity through increasingly demanding exercise, practice, and eventually competition.

If symptoms return as activity increases, stop and contact your healthcare provider.

Know When It’s an Emergency

Some symptoms can indicate a more serious brain injury. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if you or someone develops:

  • A headache that gets worse and does not go away

  • Repeated vomiting

  • Seizures or convulsions

  • Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior

  • Slurred speech

  • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

  • One pupil that is larger than the other

  • Difficulty recognizing people or places

  • Increasing drowsiness, difficulty waking up, or loss of consciousness

The Game Will Still Be There 

You don’t want to lose the rally, leave your teammates short, or feel like you’re overreacting—but there is a difference between competing through a tough point and taking an unnecessary risk with a possible brain injury.

There will be another rally. Another training. Another chance to compete.

If you take a hit and something doesn’t feel right, say something. If an athlete around you seems off, check on them. And if there is reason to suspect a concussion, getting back on the court should not be the priority.

At SUP, competing hard and taking care of the athletes sharing the gym are not competing ideas.

Helpful Resources

Please note, this information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

Camila Maisonet
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