Welcome to Making Headway with DJ Lagway, a joint initiative of the UF BRAIN Center and the DJ Lagway Foundation. This resource hub is designed to help coaches, teachers, parents, and community leaders recognize, respond to, and support recovery from concussions. Below, you’ll find education, training tools, local and national resources, and clinical guidance for concussion safety.
What is a Concussion?
A brain injury from a bump, blow, or jolt can occur in sports, falls, or accidents. Symptoms may appear hours or days later.
Common causes include sports and recreation impacts (tackles, headers, or player collisions), falls or slips, and car accidents
Signs and symptoms include
- Confusion, blank stare, memory problems
- Headache, dizziness, blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting
- Slow responses, slurred speech
- Mood or personality changes, sleep problems
- Sensitivity to light and noise
What Do I Do if I Suspect a Concussion?
- Remove from play, no same-day return
- Notify parents or guardians
- Refer for medical evaluation
- Document the incident
- No driving is allowed until the athlete is medically cleared
Why Act Fast?
UF research shows that acting fast after a concussion helps athletes heal quicker and return to play sooner.
- Stayed in play = approximately 19 days to recover
- Removed immediately = about 12 days to recover
- Acting fast protects athletes and helps them get back in the game sooner
Concussion Education for Coaches & Teachers
- CDC HEADS UP Program – CDC HEADS UP provides evidence-based information for coaches, teachers, parents, and athletes on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to concussions.
- Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Concussion Policy – FHSAA Concussion Guidelines outline the required steps schools and athletic staff must take when a concussion is suspected.
- NFHS Learn: Concussion in Sports – NFHS Course, a free online certification for coaches, athletic trainers, and school staff to understand best practices for concussion safety.
Concussion Education for Parents & Families
- CDC HEADS UP Program – CDC HEADS UP provides evidence-based information for coaches, teachers, parents, and athletes on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to concussions.
- Concussion Recovery Guide (MSKTC) – Concussion Recovery Resources provide practical steps for managing symptoms at home and supporting recovery.
- Children’s Hospital Colorado – Return to Play Guidance – Play After Concussion explains how to safely return children and teens to school and sports after a concussion.
- CDC Concussion Discharge Instructions – Download PDF, an easy-to-use handout for families after a concussion diagnosis.
Professional & Continuing Education
- Brain Injury Association of America – Certificate Course – Understanding Concussion: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment, a professional-level course for clinicians, athletic trainers, and educators.
Local & National Resources
- Brain Injury Florida – BIF Website provides statewide support, advocacy, and programs for Floridians living with brain injury.
- Brain Injury Information Line (BIIL) – Call 1-800-444-6443 for live support, resources, and referral services nationwide.
Videos & Awareness
- YouTube – Concussion Basics – Watch: What You Need to Know, a short, engaging video explaining what concussions are, common symptoms, and when to seek help.
Get Care at UF Health
- Make an Appointment with UF Brain Injury Specialists – Schedule Here. The UF Health Fixel Institute offers expert, multidisciplinary care for brain injury and concussion. Patients and families with a referral can request appointments online and connect with specialists dedicated to recovery and resilience.