Concussion is a temporary injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Concussions occur in everyday life and not just in sport. Rugby as a contact sport does involve frequent body impacts and therefore a risk of accidental head impacts, and thus a significant potential risk of concussion.
As a parent or guardian it's important that, in partnership with our coaches, you are able to recognise suspected concussion and support your child appropriately.
- Each age group will have one or more first aiders. We are often looking for more volunteers so please talk to your head coach.
- All coaches have had concussion awareness training.
Taking time out to recover fully from a concussion is far more important than playing in the next game.
- Concussion must be taken extremely seriously to safeguard the safety and long term health of young players.
- Players suspected of having concussion must be removed from play and must not resume play in the same match.
- All players suspected of having concussion must be medically assessed.
- Players suspected of having concussion or diagnosed with concussion must go through a Graduated Return to Play protocol (GRTP).
- Players must be reviewed by a doctor before returning to play.
It is important that as a parent/guardian you communicate with coaches/club and teachers/school to ensure that there is a joined up approach to supporting your child’s return to play following a suspected concussion.
https://www.englandrugby.com has a lot of resources for parents. Below are some useful links including an online training course for parents:
- Concussion - Essential Guide
- Parent Concussion Overview
- Parent Concussion Online Training
- Concussion Return To Play Guidelines
- Concussion Recognition Pocket Guide
- Guide to Rugby protective equipment (this includes World Rugby and the RFU's statement on the use of protective headgear/scrum caps)
