My son came off after a head hit, but his rugby coach wants him available for the final. What do I say?
Sports"Tell him I feel better, or they'll take me off the team sheet," my seventeen-year-old said after the semi-final. He had taken a hit to the head, developed a headache, and seemed confused about which half had just ended. He came off and hasn't gone back on.
The final is later the same day. His coach says he'll keep the place open in case my son "comes round." My son has worked towards this tournament for months and thinks I'm about to decide his whole season from one conversation. I'm arranging medical assessment and have told him he's staying out today, but he's asking me not to tell the coach about the confusion.
The [CDC's sports concussion guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/response/index.html) says a suspected concussion requires immediate removal, no return that day, and healthcare-provider clearance before returning. Assessment is a medical decision. Its [danger-sign guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/signs-symptoms/index.html) also explains when emergency care is needed.
The playing decision isn't something I want the team to bargain over. My question is how to tell the coach what happened and support my son without making him feel he has betrayed his teammates. What should that conversation sound like when the disappointment is immediate and the medical assessment is still pending?