Introduction: Concussion is gaining recognition within published literature, however, a majority of the current research focuses solely on athletes, parents and officials. There is a distinct lack of published research into the concussion knowledge of PE teachers and sports coaches. The presence of medical professionals is not guaranteed at school sport sessions or matches, therefore relying on teachers and coaches to manage any concussions. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, education and confidence in managing concussion of PE teachers and sports coaches.

Method: An anonymous, online questionnaire was created and distributed to all PE teachers and sports coaches working at an independent school in the South of England.

Results: 19 participants completed the questionnaire, mean age 35±11.9 years and mean years’ experience 13.3±11.35 years. Most participants showed a basic understanding of concussion, with 10 participants reported not needing any further concussion education. Concussion knowledge was weaker in participants only involved in netball, and no link between number of years’ experience and concussion knowledge was noted.

Conclusion: This study shows that the participants involved have a basic understanding of concussion and the subsequent management, however, significant gaps in knowledge were highlighted, specifically surrounding emotional and sleep based concussion symptoms. A lack of consistent concussion education amongst teachers and coaches working within the same school were also highlighted through this study. Further research, utilising larger sample sizes, is required to gain understanding into teachers and sports coaches’ concussion knowledge and education. Additional research may focus on initial management of concussion, implementation of concussion protocols and the impact this has on subsequent recovery times.