Following recent changes made by the International Rugby Board, the Australian Rugby Union has updated its guidance in relation to concussion.
The updated guidance is effective immediately and overrides previously published versions on the management of concussion from the ARU.
Key points to note:
o Players aged 18 years and under must not participate in any Rugby contact training or game for a minimum period of two weeks (14 days) after the disappearance of all signs and symptoms of concussion.
o Guidance regarding adult players remains the same – they must not participate in any Rugby contact training or game for a minimum rest period of 24 hours after the disappearance of all signs and symptoms of concussion.
o Any player (regardless of age) with suspected or recognised concussion must be removed from the field of play immediately and must not return to the field on the same day.
o A player with suspected or recognised concussion must be referred to a medical doctor or emergency department as soon as possible for thorough assessment.
o Players return to contact training and games following the ‘Graduated Return to Play’ protocol.
o All players must receive written clearance (a medical certificate) from a medical doctor before returning to contact training and games.
The updated Australian Rugby Concussion Guidance is attached, and is available online: www.rugby.com.au/concussion.
If you have any questions after reading the document, they can email the team on communityrugby@rugby.com.au.
Concussion specialist Dr Ryan Kohler appointed
The ARU has appointed concussion specialist – Dr Ryan Kohler – to focus specifically on concussion on a part-time basis.
Ryan is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring concussion guidance at the community level (schools and clubs); and to support team doctors and medical staff at all levels of the game.
