After sustaining a concussion you speak with a health care professional regarding your athlete and condition and it was determined he could return to play. What is the first step in this process?

The first step in the process of returning an athlete to play after a concussion is to ensure they have completed a comprehensive assessment and met the criteria set by the relevant concussion management protocols, typically involving physical and cognitive rest followed by a gradual return-to-play progression. This often includes a series of steps that monitor the athlete's symptoms and cognitive function, ensuring they can safely participate in physical activity without risk of exacerbating their condition. Once cleared, the athlete should ideally begin with light exercise and progressively increase intensity while being monitored for any recurrence of symptoms.