Sports related brain injuries are a growing concern among athletes as we begin to understand their long-term effects. Continuing to play when you have a brain injury puts you at greater risk for permanent brain damage that could prevent you from playing in the future. The bottom line? If you get hurt during a game, don't downplay your symptoms just because you want to keep scoring, playing, skating or whatever. Be smart. Sit it out until your health care professional tells you it's safe to start up again. Join other athletes in taking the pledge to "Keep My Brain in the Game" and encourage your friends to do the same. I pledge to "Keep My Brain in the Game." If I am hurt, I will sit it out until a medical professional tells me I am OK to play. My brain is more important than a game. It's the only one I have!

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