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🧠 Understanding the FA's Concussion Guidelines Course



"If in doubt, sit them out." – Protecting Players at Every Level

Concussion in football is no longer a fringe topic — it's central to player welfare. With rising awareness across all levels of the game, the FA / England Football Learning "Concussion Guidelines" course empowers coaches with the essential knowledge to identify, manage, and respond appropriately to head injuries.


Whether you're working in grassroots football or elite environments, understanding concussion protocols is a non-negotiable skill in the modern game.


🚨 Why This Course Matters


The course is designed around the urgent need to:


  • Protect players from long-term neurological harm

  • Equip coaches with clear, consistent guidance

  • Foster a safety-first culture in all football environments

  • Reinforce the message: "If in doubt, sit them out"


“We’re not just coaching footballers — we’re safeguarding lives.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧠 1. What is a Concussion?


  • The medical definition and football-specific examples

  • How even minor knocks can lead to serious outcomes

  • The invisible nature of concussion symptoms


👀 Key takeaway: Concussion isn’t always obvious — coaches must remain alert at all times.


⛑️ 2. Signs and Symptoms to Watch For


  • Physical: dizziness, headache, balance issues

  • Cognitive: confusion, memory loss, dazed expression

  • Emotional/Behavioral: irritability, sluggishness

  • Delayed symptoms: can appear minutes or hours later


“You don’t need to see a player collapse to take action.”

🧭 3. The Step-by-Step Concussion Protocol


  • Stop play immediately if a concussion is suspected

  • Remove the player from the pitch — no return the same day

  • Refer to medical professionals for assessment

  • Implement the "Return to Play" protocol (a 5-step staged process)


📆 Players must be symptom-free and cleared before resuming contact activity.


🗣️ 4. Communicating With Parents, Players, and Staff


  • How to calmly and clearly explain concussion risks

  • Ensuring informed consent before return to activity

  • Emphasising the importance of medical oversight


👨‍👩‍👧 This is especially vital at youth level, where coaches often serve as first responders and trusted figures.


⚖️ 5. Legal, Ethical and FA Guidelines


  • Why ignoring or mismanaging concussion risks legal liability

  • Your duty of care as a coach

  • Aligning with The FA's national guidelines and safeguarding framework


“Coaching is about development, but player safety must come first — always.”

🧑‍🏫 How the Course Is Delivered


  • ✅ Online and free to access

  • 🕐 Takes approximately 30 minutes to complete

  • 🎯 Interactive quizzes and real-world scenarios

  • 📜 Certificate awarded upon successful completion


💡 Perfect for any coach, parent, or volunteer working in football — from grassroots to academy.


⚽ Putting It Into Practice


Having completed this course, you're now equipped to:


✔ Recognise concussion signs immediately

✔ Act decisively and confidently

✔ Communicate with parents and professionals

✔ Keep players safe and supported during recovery

✔ Be a vocal advocate for a safety-first football culture


🧬 Concussion Awareness: A Core Coaching Skill


Player welfare is no longer a "nice to have" — it’s an essential part of your coaching toolkit. The Concussion Guidelines course ensures that your sessions, your team, and your club are aligned with modern safeguarding standards.


“The best coaches don’t just develop players — they protect them.”

🏁 In Summary


The FA Concussion Guidelines course provides a clear framework for recognising, responding to, and managing head injuries in football. Every coach should treat this knowledge as essential, not optional.


🌍 Supporting Players Beyond the Game


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. With safety at the heart of his coaching philosophy, Steve champions player welfare alongside technical excellence.











The FA Introduce New Rule to Phase Out Heading in Youth Football




As the landscape of football evolves, so too do the regulations governing the beautiful game. Today marks a significant milestone as The Football Association (FA) announce the introduction of a new rule aimed at phasing out deliberate heading in youth football matches over the next three seasons.


In 2022, The FA proudly led the charge in adopting the International Football Association Board (IFAB) trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below. This groundbreaking initiative was a testament of the commitment to player safety and the well-being of young athletes.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, emphasises the importance of this initiative, stating, "The safety and development of young players are paramount. By introducing this new rule, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that matches at the grassroots level align with our current heading guidance for training."


Over the past two seasons, approximately 16,000 teams and 107,000 players have participated in the IFAB trial, with invaluable feedback collected from leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, and parents. This collaborative effort has enabled us to carefully analyse the impact of the trial and identify areas for improvement.


"We have listened to the feedback from the grassroots community and have adapted the heading trial to further enhance the player experience," explains Halls. "Our goal is to create more technical opportunities for players while reducing potential risk factors associated with heading the ball."


Starting from the 2024-25 season, the new rule will be gradually introduced across affiliated grassroots youth football between U7-U11 levels. Deliberate heading will be phased out, with sanctions in place for offenders, including indirect free kicks and touchline restarts.


"We recognise the importance of supporting players as they transition from primary to secondary school," says Halls. "Heading will be introduced at this natural transition point in their U12 season, ensuring a smooth progression for young athletes."


Throughout this transition period, NexxtGen Football and The FA will work closely with County FAs, leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, and schools to provide guidance and support for the successful implementation of the new rule.


"We are committed to working hand in hand with the grassroots game to ensure a seamless transition," affirms Halls. "Together, we will continue to prioritise the safety, development, and enjoyment of all young players."


As we look ahead to the future of youth football, NexxtGen Football remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for the next generation of athletes.



Protecting Young Hearts: NexxtGen Football Stands with CRY in the Fight Against Sudden Cardiac Deaths




The specter of sudden cardiac deaths casts a chilling shadow. This is not merely a statistical concern; it's a pressing issue that demands our unwavering attention. The gravity of this matter hit home during a poignant conversation with my good friend Antonis Tipper, a Cardiac Physiologist at North Middlesex Hospital, prompting a deep dive into the crucial work of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).


Awareness: Shaping a Future


The first pillar in CRY's mission is awareness, a beacon guiding us towards early identification of those at risk. Heightening awareness isn't just about recognising the problem; it's about fostering a clinical environment that responds adeptly to the intricacies of inherited cardiac conditions in young individuals.


Screening: A Path to Securing Futures


Screening emerges as a cost-effective linchpin in this battle. Identifying young people at risk through comprehensive screening isn't merely an option; it's an imperative. The conditions, when detected early, can be treated, paving the way for a secure future for those identified. Every young person deserves the choice to undergo testing, a choice that could be life-changing.


Research: Illuminating the Path Forward


CRY's research program provides a unique vantage point, delving into general population-based data that allows insightful comparisons across athletes, ethnicities, and genders. This research not only contributes to a better understanding of what is normal for young people but also serves as a cornerstone for identifying and treating those at risk.


Support: Nurturing Hearts Beyond Diagnosis


The emotional aftermath of a sudden cardiac death is profound, affecting families in ways that are hard to quantify. CRY steps in, offering both emotional and clinical support to families navigating this challenging journey. Beyond the clinical realm, CRY becomes a beacon of solace for those affected.


NexxtGen Football's Full Support


NexxtGen Football wholeheartedly aligns with and supports the vital initiative undertaken by CRY. As we delve into the intricacies of cardiac screening, we acknowledge its pivotal role in unveiling potential risks and creating a roadmap for intervention. The collaboration with CRY is not merely a sponsorship; it's a shared commitment to the well-being of our young athletes.


Cardiac Screening: A Beacon of Hope


CRY's subsidised ECG and Echocardiogram screenings stand as beacons of hope for young people aged 14 to 35. A simple ECG test, when analysed by a cardiologist, can diagnose most cardiac abnormalities. For extra clarity, an Echocardiogram, a painless ultrasound scan, can provide further insights. Notably, if there has been a sudden death in the family of an individual under 35, the family is entitled to be screened on the NHS.


NexxtGen Football's Call to Action


NexxtGen Football urges every young person, every family, to consider the importance of cardiac screening. We stand united with CRY in emphasising the need for awareness, screening, research, and support. Together, we can transform this awareness into action, securing the futures of our young athletes and preventing the devastating impact of sudden cardiac deaths. Let's champion the cause, not merely as football enthusiasts, but as guardians of young hearts.


Best wishes,




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