Are players allowed to return to play after sustaining a concussion without professional clearance?

Players are not allowed to return to play after sustaining a concussion without professional clearance to ensure their safety and well-being. Concussions can have serious and sometimes long-lasting effects, and they require proper assessment and management by healthcare professionals. A trained medical provider assesses the severity of the concussion and determines when it is safe for the athlete to resume physical activity.

This approach emphasizes the importance of following established return-to-play protocols that prioritize the health of the student-athlete. Ensuring that the player is cleared by a medical professional helps to prevent exacerbating the injury and reduces the risk of further concussive injuries, which can lead to more severe consequences. The other options suggest varying levels of approval or decision-making authority, but ultimately, only a qualified medical professional can make the necessary judgment regarding a player's readiness to return to the game.