Players: IHNSW Concussion Policy

Stage 1: Day of Injury

You have suffered a suspected concussion and have been removed from play.

As a member who has been recognised as having a potential concussion, you should make an appointment to see a medical doctor in the next 24-48 hours where possible or as soon as practical afterwards. This should be a GP or a specialist Sports and Exercise Physician. The medical doctor will assess and guide your progress over the next steps in the process.

Make sure you read the Head Injury Fact Sheet for more information on what and what not to do.

Whilst waiting to see a medical doctor, you should completely rest (reduce
mental and physical activity), and be in the care of a responsible adult at all times. This should be for a minimum of 24-hours after suspected injury. The required time of rest will vary between players; therefore, a medical doctor will specify the minimum rest time for each player.

It is advisable when making an appointment with a medical doctor to note;

  • Assessment can take 30 minutes, so a long appointment should be requested when booking
  • Take a copy of the Referral and Return form with you (section 1 completed)
  • Take a copy of the IHNSW Concussion Policy with you, or direct your doctor to www.ihnsw.com.au/concussion for further information

If the following signs and symptoms occur, they could be a sign that there is something more serious happening. These are called ‘Red Flags’ and if they occur, you should immediately attend the nearest Emergency Hospital, or ring 000 for an Ambulance.

  • Deterioration of conscious state
  • Increasing confusion or irritability
  • Changes in normal behaviour
  • Fit seizure or convulsions
  • Double vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Slurred speech
  • ƒContinuing unsteadiness
  • Weakness or tingling / burning in arms or legs
  • Repeated vomiting – more than once
  • Severe or unusual neck pain

Stage 2: Days following injury

Rest: This is crucial to recovery. You must rest (reduce mental and physical activity) until all post-concussion symptoms have disappeared and stopped all medication required for concussion symptoms.

The minimum rest time for adults is 24 hours – children and adolescents require a longer rest period of 48-72 hours.

Recover & Return to Sport: Follow the Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) process stages 1-4. Normal daily activities should be able to be completed before moving to light exercise, with the objective to return to school/study/work prior to returning to play. The GRTP process should be followed with a minimum of 24 hours between each progression. You can progress to the next stage if you do not have any increased or recurring concussion symptoms. If this occurs, return to GRTP stage 1.

Record & Return to Contact Training: You can only return to contact training when you have fully recovered and provided written medical clearance. The Concussion and Referral and Return Form Section 3 must be completed by your doctor before presenting to your Club Concussion Coordinator. The Concussion Coordinator will then need to submit a completed copy of this form to the IHNSW Executive Officer before you can participate in contact training.

Return to Play: A player can only return to play when they have fully recovered from a concussion. Players 18 year and under cannot return to play (GRTP – 6) for at least 19 days after all symptoms and signs have disappeared. Players 19 years and over, cannot return to play for at least 12 days (GRTP – 6) after all symptoms and signs have disappeared