Concussion Protocol for Small Businesses

by Team Gild

•Jan 11, 2024

Did you know that concussions are a common result of liability claims for fitness businesses? Additionally, head injuries happen in sports and fitness studios, making it crucial for fitness businesses to be prepared. In fact, many of Gild Insurance’s partners now require business owners to have a concussion protocol in place. Without one, you might not be able to get insurance.

According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, between 1.7 and 3 million sports-related concussions happen each year. Shockingly, 5 out of 10 of these concussions go unreported or undetected. Certainly, as a fitness business owner, it’s important to understand the risks of concussions.

What is a Concussion?

The CDC defines a concussion as, “a type of traumatic brain injury”or TBI. A TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It is a sudden movement causing the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. Basically, this movement creates chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretches and damages brain cells.^[2] A forceful impact to your face, neck, or even other parts of your body can be involved. Therefore, this broad definition makes more understandable why concussions may be likely in a studio or fitness facility!

Concussion Protocol for Small Businesses

So, what can you do to protect your business and your clients? A concussion protocol is a set of rules and tools used to care for someone who might have a concussion. Comparatively, it includes assessments and guidelines to ensure proper care. For example, the NCAA offers a detailed concussion protocol that fitness businesses can use as a model. is an actual concussion protocol from the NCAA for a real world example.

Additional Resources

Furthermore, here is more information on concussion protocols for small businesses, prevention, and care:

DC’s Heads Up – The Centers for Disease Control comprehensive list of the signs, symptoms, and dangers of a concussion. Undoubtedly, an excellent resource to use while establishing your own protocol.

American Academy of Neurology – The world’s largest associated of neurologists is a trusted authority on concussions. Markedly, a concussion checklist is available to evaluate the possibility of a concussion and the need for a doctor.

To learn more about the risks of fitness businesses, check out: “The Most Common Liability Claims for Fitness Studio Owners“. “Professional Liability And The Fitness Studio Owner”.

Certainly, it is best to have an end-to-end insurance plan in place. Take steps to cover your business or organization in a worst-case scenario. At Gild Insurance, get the right insurance for your business’s unique needs!

Fitness instructor, studio owner, or personal trainer, we help fitness professionals like yourself find the insurance products you need!

Sources:

[1] Concussion Facts and Statistics” University of Pittsburg Medical Center, 2023, https://www.upmc.com/services/orthopaedics/conditions/concussion#:~:text=Between%201.7%20and%203%20million,get%20a%20concussion%20this%20year..

[2] Heads Up. Safe Brain. Strong Future.” Center for Disease Control, 25 Feb 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html
Disclaimer: The content in this article is informational and educational. It is not medical or legal advice. All information provided in this article is for general purposes only.