“‘Our Children Should Never Be Afraid’: Waynesville School Parents Speak Out About Kids Hiding Concussions Over Fear of Coaches and Missing Practice
By Samuel Coleman
“‘Our Children Should Never Be Afraid’: Waynesville School Parents Speak Out About Kids Hiding Concussions Over Fear of Coaches and Missing Practice
Su Har shareda detailed account, pointing out that both her son and daughter had suffered concussions one from wrestling and one from soccer.
September 11, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 11, 2026
In Waynesville, Missouri, a recent discussion among parents has shed light on the complex emotions surrounding student-athlete safety when it comes to concussions.
The conversation, which was in the Waynesville School District’s Parents and Students Facebook group, revealed both concern and reassurance, as families shared personal experiences with how the district handles head injuries.
An anonymous parent took to the Facebook group and wrote,
“Our children should never be afraid to tell us they might have a concussion—yet too many are. They fear missing a couple of hours of school or practice, worried that the football coach won’t understand. No child should have to choose between their health and the game.”
The post gained immediate responses from other parents. For some, the worry was valid and echoed what they had seen in their own children.
Mercedes Ellison responded by noting that her experience had been the opposite of what was initially stated. Her oldest child had endured injuries and even surgeries, and she said coaches and instructors consistently reached out during difficult times.
She added,
I’ve noticed quite the opposite. With my oldest, whom has had multiple injuries and or surgeries the coaches/instructors have always reached out. They even reached out when other family were suffering big medical issues. I’m sorry that this is the experience you are having
Another parent, posting anonymously, also defended the school district’s record. They said the district encourages athletes to be upfront about injuries, particularly concussions.
I honestly have noticed the opposite. I feel that the school does an excellent job of promoting students to be honest about injuries, especially concussions and encouraging coaches to error on the side of caution and get the athlete to the trainer if a head injury is reported before they can go back to practice or game.
Anonymous participant 888Su Har shared a detailed account, pointing out that both her son and daughter had suffered concussions, one from wrestling and one from soccer.
to her, the district followed the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA) concussion protocol”exactly as it was written.” She wrote,
My son and daughter have both had concussions- one from wrestling and one from soccer. From the get go, the coaches, athletic director, school nurse, and athletic trainer have been on top of their care, reached out to us for updates, and helped their gradual return to sports. In each of their cases, the school district followed the MSHAA concussion protocol exactly as it was written. We have had no complaints and did not run into the choice between health and the game . At the end of the day, if there is no health then there is no game.
Jarrett Bennett, who had also navigated the concussion protocol with his son, acknowledged the seriousness of head injuries but the school staff.
First off… as a father whose son was in the concussion protocol, I get it. However, the coaches themselves, the school, and the training staff all support the athletes and would never hold anything negative against the athletes. So chill out
Audie Moore noted that her daughter is currently sidelined with a concussion at the high school. She said,
My daughter is out with a concussion right now at the high school. I get it.
Meanwhile, Mechelle Uttley Cunningham underscored that this issue isn’t just tied to football, saying,
THIS! Unfortunately it extends to all sports and not just football.
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