Concussion

To help bring the latest education around brain health to our community, USA Rugby has joined TeachAids, a nonprofit leader in global education innovation. Spun out of research from Stanford University, TeachAids developed the CrashCourse concussion education product suite in collaboration with world-class medical, sports and education experts. We are distributing TeachAids’ award-winning and interactive learning experiences.

There are three elements to the CrashCourse training: a Brain Fly-Through, a Concussion Education module, and a Concussion Story Wall.

These products aim to raise awareness of the latest science around concussions to shift the conversation away from fear and silence toward one of knowledge and empowerment. CrashCourse was designed to educate those interested in promoting brain health including the entire sports community of players, parents, coaches and officials.

The TeachAids CrashCourse concussion education is available free to the public through this page, as well as to USA Rugby members through the USA Rugby Learning Center. If you wish to have your completion marked on your permanent USA Rugby education record, please access the USA Rugby Learning Center via your USA Rugby Member Profile.

The CrashCourse Brain Fly-Through uses cutting edge technology fromStanford University’s Neurosurgical Simulation and Virtual Reality Center. It conceptualizes an otherwise “invisible injury”. Using dramatic race footage from world mountain biking champion Kate Courtney, coupled with her own personal concussion experience, this product takes the viewer on a journey through the human brain. The fly-through showcases the brain’s blood vessels, nervous system and cerebrospinal fluid cavities while emphasizing its complexity, fragility, and importance.

This 8-minute production can be accessed in virtual reality (Google Cardboard|Oculus Rift/Rift S|Oculus Go). An additional resource is a Discussion Guide to complement the Brain-Fly Through product.

This fundamental CrashCourse Concussion Education product was created with user-centered formative design research studies. It synthesizes first-person and third-person experiential perspectives to inform and motivate learning about concussion signs and symptoms, correcting myths and misconceptions, recognizing the seriousness of reporting and understanding the importance of working with a physician to determine the best strategies for improvement. It integrates these topics into a narrative, story-driven format with the learner at the center of the education experience.

Upon receiving a concussion, the learner is faced with a moral dilemma: to “Take a Knee” or “Stay in the Game.” Each decision leads the learner down a different path to reflect the consequences (both positive and negative) of their decision.

This 12-minute production can also be accessed in virtual reality (Google Cardboard|Oculus Rift/Rift S|Oculus Go). If taken through the USA Rugby Learning Center, the learner will have the opportunity to answer questions to test their knowledge.

This Concussion Story Wall product is an interactive database of more than 4,000 video stories relating to how an injury occurred, the symptoms experienced, and personal insights from those who have sustained a concussion. It includes a panel of the world’s leading medical experts addressing specific aspects of concussions. This product is intended as a comprehensive mental health resource for the many who are impacted – including athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers and military veterans. A key goal is combating stigma and communicating best health practices. The Concussion Story Wall serves as a referral source for athletic trainers, rehab specialists, physicians and concussion clinics.

This product is presented in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of America, the National Council of Youth Sports, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education. The CDC has integrated the Concussion Story Wall as a resource for individuals with brain injuries.