CONCUSSION

About Concussion

It important that everyone involved in the game has good knowledge of what concussion is, how to recognise a possible concussion and react appropriately.

Scottish Rugby has created a ‘Concussion Hub’, a one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about concussion.

Click HERE to visit the Hub.

Policy Statement

Scottish Rugby is committed to injury prevention and the welfare of all those participating in our sport.

Players are entitled to take part in rugby in a safe and enjoyable environment. Scottish Rugby will adopt policies to minimise the risk of concussion and procedures for the appropriate management of any cases of concussion which may arise.

Scottish Rugby’s current concussion policy is under review following updated information and guidance from the Government and the Sport and Recreation Alliance. As such, until a revised policy is published, Scottish Rugby advises all players to follow the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Graduated Return to Play protocols below.

Everyone within Scottish Rugby will be made aware of the policies and procedures in place to promote the safety and wellbeing of those playing the game.

• Primary responsibility for the health and wellbeing of each player lies with the individual player. In agreeing to participate players must take seriously the risk of injury to themselves and to others.
• The welfare of the player is paramount.
• Scottish Rugby, and all those governed by Scottish Rugby, shall follow best practice in relation to the management of potential incidents of concussion.
• The protection of the player is everyone’s responsibility.
• IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT

Graduated Return to Play Protocols

Players returning to training and playing must follow the Graduated Return to Play Protocols. These are earliest permissible return to play dates after a suspected concussion.

These protocols are mandatory.

• The earliest a player can return to contact training is Day 14 after the concussion occurred – this is regardless of age or gender.
• The earliest a player can return to a full-contact match is Day 21 after the concussion occurred – this is regardless of age or gender.

In all cases these protocols MUST be followed prior to the players return to play.

Returning to rugby activity requires a staged approach.

The speed at which physical activity and then rugby/sporting activity will vary greatly between individuals.

It is possible to start returning to some sporting activity while still experiencing symptoms, however, these should be mild and the activity should not cause new or worsening symptoms.

Pushing too quickly through a staged return if symptoms are worsened by activity will prolong recovery.

Every concussion is unique and should be managed accordingly.

Raising a Concern

Failure to follow Scottish Rugby’s Concussion Policy shall be regarded as an act of Misconduct under Scottish Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules.

Where a concern arises in the relation to the management a player who may have sustained a concussion, or where there is concern that best practice regarding concussion management is not being followed, the matter may be referred in confidence to Scottish Rugby Union’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at [email protected] or by phoning 0131 346 5000.