Concussion

Concussion is serious and we outline the steps to be taken by those involved in the game.

Concussion is serious. We have no HIA protocol for grassroots rugby league in Wales so please take note of all below and download the following attachments.

Headcase Pitchside Advice Cards

Graduated Return To Play

WRL-Head Injury Form

UK-Grassroots-Concussion-Guidelines-April-2023

  • All head injuries are serious.
  • Head injury can be fatal.
  • Concussion is a brain injury which causes a disturbance of the normal working of the brain but without there being any structural damage.
  • Most concussions (90%) occur without loss of consciousness (being ‘knocked out’).
  • Anyone with one or more visible clues, or symptoms of a head injury must be immediately removed from playing or training and must not take part in any further physical sport or work activity, even if symptoms resolve, until assessment by an appropriate Healthcare Professional or by accessing the NHS by calling 111, which should be sought within 24 hours.

 

IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT

  • Return to education and/or work takes priority over return to sport.
  • Individuals with concussion should only return to playing sport which risks head injury after having followed a graduated return to activity (education and/or work) and sport programme.
  • All concussions should be managed individually, but there should be no return to competition before 21 days from injury. Graduated Return To Play
  • Anyone with symptoms after 28 days should seek medical advice from their GP (which may in turn require specialist referral and review).
  • Most people who sustain a concussion do not require any treatment as they normally get better by themselves and recover quickly, but for some the symptoms may last for days, weeks or in rare cases even longer.

 

Is concussion different in young players?

In young players we do need to be more cautious. Because the child or adolescent brain is still developing, there is particular concern that they may be:

  • More susceptible to concussion.
  • Take longer to recover and returning to education too early exacerbate symptoms and prolong recovery.
  • Are more susceptible to rare and dangerous neurological complications including death caused by a second impact before recovering from a previous concussion.

 

What about repeated concussions?

Because there is considerable variation in the initial effects of concussion, and recovery can be rapid, this can increase the potential for players to ignore concussion symptoms at the time of injury or return to play before they’ve fully recovered.

There are concerns that repeated concussion – particularly before full recovery – could shorten a player’s career, significantly interfere with their academic performance, and may have some potential to result in permanent neurological impairment or death. This is why in the event of a suspected concussion, IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT. Wales Rugby League, following guidance from the RFL has adopted the new UK-Grassroots-Concussion-Guidelines-April-2023, which is a set out guidelines which has been devised by international experts in this field.

 

Because there is considerable variation in the initial effects of concussion, and recovery can be rapid, this can increase the potential for players to ignore concussion symptoms at the time of injury or return to play before they’ve fully recovered. There are concerns that repeated concussion – particularly before full recovery – could shorten a player’s career, significantly interfere with their academic performance, and may have some potential to result in permanent neurological impairment or death. This is why in the event of a suspected concussion, IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT. Wales Rugby League has adopted the new SRA guidelines on grassroots concussion, which is a set out guidelines which has been devised by international experts in this field.

 

You can access an online module regarding concussion via Our Learning Zone. Access here.

Further information or training resources, please contact Stephen Jones. Email: Stephen.jones@walesrugbyleague.co.uk