Concussion - If In Doubt, Sit Them Out

"Concussion is a brain injury, which is serious and can be suffered by a Player of any age."

World Rugby Regulation 10

Concussion and suspected concussion must be taken extremely seriously in order to protect the safety, health and welfare of players.

In their Concussion Policy, Scottish Rugby notes that it believes that current best practice is represented by World Rugby Regulation 10 (Medical) and the Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance.

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

Therefore all players, coaches and team management should follow the terms of World Rugby Regulation 10, the Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance and any other guidance published by Scottish Rugby in relation to the management of suspected cases of concussion.

The protection of the player is everyone’s responsibility.

IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT

How to recognise a concussion
If any of the following signs are suspected, the player should be immediately removed from play:
• Dazed look
• Motionless
• Unsteady
• Unresponsive
• Confused
• Seizure
• Clutching head
• Heightened irritability or emotion

If any of the following is observed please ensure they are urgently taken to hospital:
• Severe neck pain
• Deteriorating consciousness
• Increasing confusion or irritability
• Severe or increasing headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Unusual behaviour change
• Seizure
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling / burning in arms or legs

Return to sport, once symptom free, should be graduated - see Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance for more information.


See also:
World Rugby Regulation 10 (Medical)
Scottish Rugby Concussion Policy
Scottish Sport Concussion Guidance