Concussion is a brain injury
All concussions are serious
Concussion can often occur without loss of consciousness
Players with any signs or symptoms of concussion must be immediately removed from playing or training

SIGNS OF CONCUSSION – WHAT YOU SEE

Dazed, blank or vacant look
Lying motionless on the ground / slow to get up
Unsteady on feet / balance problems or falling over / loss of coordination
Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
Confused / not aware of plays or events
Grabbing / clutching of head
Seizure (fits)
Nausea or vomiting
More emotional / irritable than normal for that person

SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION – WHAT YOU ARE TOLD

Headache
Dizziness
Mental clouding / confusion / or feeling slowed down
Visual problems
Fatigue
Drowsiness / feeling like “in a fog“ / difficulty concentrating
“Pressure in head”
Sensitivity to light or noise

ONSET OF SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of concussion can appear at any time following a concussive head impact event but typically become evident in the first 24–48 hours following a head injury.

RECURRENT CONCUSSION

All players who suffer two or more concussion within a year are at greater risk of further brain injury and slower recovery. It is recommended that these players should seek medical attention from practitioners specialising in concussion management (i.e. Neurologists or Neurosurgeons) before returning to play or undertaking any contact practice.

RECOGNISE AND REMOVE A CONCUSSED PLAYER

If any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above are present following an injury, the player should be suspected of having concussion and Recognised and Removed from play or training.

Players must not return to play or training on the same day of a suspected concussion.

REMEMBER - IF IN DOUBT SIT THEM OUT

Players must not return to play on the same day of any suspected concussion
It is recommended that all players with concussion should be referred to a medical practitioner or call NHS 111
It is recommended that all players undertake a Graduated Return to Play programme
It is recommended that players should not return to full contact sport until cleared by a medical practitioner
Most concussions will recover with physical and mental rest
Concussion can occur without an obvious blow to the head
Recognise and Remove players with suspected concussion to prevent further injury or in rare cases, even fatality