From ‘suck it up’ to sit out: North Dakota youth sports rethink concussions

Bismarck Youth Football League teams the Cowboys (left) square off against the Cardinals in a pre-season scrimmage on the baseball outfield at Shiloh Christian School on Sept. 7, 2026. Photo, Michael Standaert, NDNC.
Bismarck Youth Football League teams the Cowboys (left) square off against the Cardinals in a pre-season scrimmage on the baseball outfield at Shiloh Christian School on Sept. 7, 2026. Photo, Michael Standaert, NDNC.

Awareness helps young athletes handle head injuries, but work still to do

By Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative Gone are the days when a kid “getting their bell rung” in youth sports in North Dakota led to perhaps a little time off the field or court, followed by pressure to “suck it up” and play.

Yet, with all the progress toward increasing prevention and awareness around concussion a…