Concussion Safety
Know the facts
Given the physical nature of contact rugby and the severity of concussion injuries, it is extremely important to understand what a concussion is, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, the proper protocol for diagnosis and treatment, and where to find key resources.
What is a concussion?
Concussions are the most common form of mild traumatic brain injury and occur after a blow to the head, face, neck, or body, or from a whiplash-type injury that results in rapid head movement. Concussions result in an immediate or delayed onset of cognitive, physical, emotional, and fatigue-based symptoms, which lead to millions of lost days of work, school, and rugby.
Why is it important to become educated about concussions?
Recognizing concussions is the collective effort of everyone involved with rugby, including players, teammates, coaches, match officials, parents/guardians, and spectators. Research shows that concussions often go unreported due to the unsureness of symptom severity from players, coaches, and other participants. Athletes also avoid reporting due wanting to continue playing, not wanting to let anyone down, and feeling pressure to ‘tough it out’. However, when participants have concussion education and play in a wellbeing-centred environment, self-reporting and recognition rates increase. Creating a strong knowledge basis of concussion information and protocols are key to keeping all rugby participants safe on and off of the pitch!
How do you recognize a concussion?
Concussion symptoms can begin immediately after injury, with or without the individual losing consciousness, or may appear 1-2 days later. Concussion symptoms can vary in severity, and the Concussion Recognition Tool can help you recognize common, red-flag, and other signs of a concussion that require monitoring or action.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
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How to diagnose a concussion?
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What do I do after receiving a concussion diagnosis?
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Additional Concussion Resources
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