HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Online Concussion Training

CDC Heads Up. Youth Sports Coaches. Online Concussion Training. Take the Training.

CDC’s HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Online Concussion Training for Coaches shares the latest guidance on concussion safety and prevention. The training provides essential information to help coaches spot signs and symptoms of possible concussions and steps to take if one occurs.

After finishing this training, you will be able to:

  • Describe what concussions are, how they occur, and at least one long-term and two short-term potential effects on an athlete’s physical and mental health.
  • Recognize at least two signs and two symptoms of concussion you might observe during a practice or game.
  • Explain youth sports coaches’ role in determining if an athlete should be removed from a practice or game, and list four steps to take after a possible concussion occurs.
  • List at least two ways youth sports coaches can prioritize concussion safety.

The training takes about 30 minutes and features easy-to-follow information with knowledge checks and illustrated case studies. This helps you apply the information presented and achieve the key learning objectives of the course.

Technical Requirements

NEW: You Must Create an Account with CDC TRAIN

In order to access the training, you must create an account with CDC TRAIN. Please see How to Create an Account in CDC Train [PDF – 4 pages] for instructions.

Equipment Needed for this Training

You will need to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection to complete this training course. This training works best with a high-speed, broadband internet connection, as well as an up-to-date web browser and operating system. Older computers may crash while using the training. Please review the following system requirements for the best training experience:

For Computer Access

PC:
Compatible Operating System: Windows (version 8 or higher)
Web Browser: Chrome, Firefox or Safari (latest versions), Microsoft Edge (latest version)

Mac:
Compatible Operating System: OS X (version 10.14 or higher)
Web Browser: Firefox, Chrome or Safari (latest versions)

For Mobile Access:
iOS: version 12 or higher
Android: version 9 or higher

Please Keep in Mind:

Closing your browser while taking the training course will log you out of the course (but not out of CDC TRAIN).   Refreshing your browser may cause a disconnect error.

To return to CDC TRAIN close the course window and relaunch the course. Your progress will be saved. You can return to your last completed session by selecting OK when you are prompted at your next launch.

You may also return to your last completed session by logging back into CDC TRAIN and selecting Your Learning on the home page. Your course will be listed here. Click on the In Progress link to re-launch the course.

When you begin, if the pre-test does not launch, you will need to enable pop-up windows in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does CDC TRAIN Collect Registration Information?

The purpose of collecting basic information, such as your email address and name is to provide you with account information and password reset options. Other information collected helps evaluate and improve the training. Creating an account will allow you to save your certificate and/or to save your progress in the training.

Please see the following link for the TRAIN policies on privacy, data collection and data security: https://www.train.org/cdctrain/help/policies

Please see the following link for additional information regarding CDC privacy policies: https://www.cdc.gov/other/privacy.html.

How Can I Print or Save My Certificate?

At the end of the training course, you will be able to print one or more copies of your certificate of completion and/or save an electronic version of it to your desktop.

To print your certificate, go to Your Learning, then to Your Certificates while logged into CDC TRAIN.

Can I Get a Replacement Copy of My Certificate?

Yes. You may log back in to CDC TRAIN at any time to save or re-print your certificate. To log back in, go to https://www.train.org/cdctrain and enter the username and password you first used to register for the training.

Certificates are available only to those who have created an account and successfully completed the training with a passing score of 80% or higher on the post-test.

How Often Do I Need to Take This Training?

How often the HEADS UP online training needs to be taken varies by individual states, leagues, and schools. We recommend that you check with your state, league, or school regarding their specific requirements on how often you need to complete this training.

How Can I Host a Group Training?

If you would like to host a group training using this course, you are able to order a copy of the course on CD-ROM. Please note that the CD-ROM does not include a certificate of completion. Instead, we can provide you with a group training certificate. The group training certificate does require a signature from the training facilitator or person hosting the training. If you would like to obtain a copy of the CD-ROM and the group training certificate, please contact injuryprevention@cdc.gov.

Who Should I Contact if I am Having Trouble with the Training?

If you are having any difficulties taking the training, please feel free to contact injuryprevention@cdc.gov with your questions.