Training 250 Tri-State Tennis Coaches: A Success Story with Sportime and Concussion Management of New York

Expanding Our Impact: In-Person Kickoff and Digital Training

While Dr. Gometz has extensive experience conducting coach education in the past, we are actively scaling our programs to meet the growing demand for youth and adult sports safety. Grassroots coach education is one of the most powerful tools available to protect athletes while also serving as a vital bridge for clinical referral sources.

Following our successful in-person kickoff on September 8th, 2026, we are rolling out an ongoing online component to ensure coaches have continuous access throughout the year. To make this rollout seamless and scalable, we have integrated a new platform that allows us to:

• Digitize testing and scoring for all participating coaches.
• Automate official certificates upon successful completion.
• Provide a year-round online learning module for continuous education.

What Every Coach Needs to Know: Concussion Safety Basics

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that temporarily disrupt normal brain function—and an athlete does not have to lose consciousness to have one. Effective concussion management training empowers staff to act quickly and decisively when an incident occurs.

Here are the essential rules every coach needs to follow:

1. Spot the Signs: Watch for physical and behavioral changes, such as appearing dazed, acting confused, moving clumsily, complaining of a headache or dizziness, or feeling “foggy”.
2. Follow the 5-Step Response:
   • Remove: Pull the athlete from play immediately.
   • Check: Look for emergency danger signs (like repeated vomiting or slurred speech).
   • Refer: Send the athlete for a professional medical evaluation (such as through Mount Sinai or Weill Cornell Medicine).
   • Notify: Inform parents or organization leaders.
   • No Same-Day Return: Never let an athlete return to play on the same day, even if they say they feel better.
3. Prioritize Recovery: Strict, prolonged rest is outdated. Recovery involves gradual activity, proper medical guidance, and making sure returning to learning comes before returning to sports. Proper concussion management ensures athletes heal safely before re-entering competition.