Recognise
Learn what to look for in players (the signs) and what players may feel and describe (the symptoms) to be able to RECOGNISE when a player may have sustained a concussion.
You should also learn to recognise the danger signs that may indicate a more serious injury that requires urgent action and calling 999 for an ambulance.
Remove
You must REMOVE ANY player with suspected concussion from play immediately and they should NOT return.
Following removal from play for a suspected concussion all players, especially children, should be evaluated by a health care professional (HCP- Doctor, Nurse, Physiotherapist or Paramedic), experienced in assessing head injuries.
Note: where a neck or spine injury can't be immediately ruled out on the pitch, first aid principles must be applied, the player not moved, and an ambulance called to remove the player safely from the field to hospital for further assessment.
Recover
The player with concussion should “Rest their body and Rest their brain” for a minimum of 14 days, and until all symptoms have disappeared, before commencing a graduated return to play programme (GRTP).
Full recovery from the concussion is required before return to full contact training and play. This includes other sports and activities that have a predictable risk of head impacts.
Return
In order for a safe Return to contact training and playing, the player must be symptom-free, have completed a Graduated Return To Play (GRTP), and should have been assessed for full recovery by a doctor.
The principles of concussion management in English rugby are summarised by the 4R's - RECOGNISE, REMOVE, RECOVER and RETURN. These principles have been designed to minimise the risk of short, medium and long-term harm to the brain.
Select each ‘R’ to find out what the principles are.