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Concussions

Northumberland Rugby Union Concussion Protocol

This protocol is for all rugby players playing in club, school, college, university, in rugby union representative squads and rugby league who have signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion.  It is vital that these situations are recognised as there can be serious consequences if the player sustains another concussion before recovery.

When a player sustains a head/neck injury or is suspected of such, the player must be attended by a suitably trained person who is confident to assess the injury and look for signs of concussion.  RFU Guidelines recommend every team has access to a qualified First Aider as a minimum requirement. 

Ultimately the referee has the over-riding power of veto; if the referee is not satisfied with the condition of the injured player, the referee can insist on the player’s removal from the field of play. Law 3.10.

RFU Headcase

Clubs, Schools, Universities and Representative squads must follow the RFU Concussion advice and GRTP recommendations.  Full details of the RFU protocols and GRTP can be found here.

Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool

The RFU and Northumberland Rugby Union recommends the use of Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool (symptoms and signs check list) and this can be found here.

RFU online Headcase modules can be found here

Graduated Return to Activity & Sport Programme.
Download
Headcase Extended Guidelines Brochure
Download

If the concussion happens at a school game, where possible, and with the consent of the parents, the player’s club should be informed.  Clubs, DPP, Representative Teams, Falcons Academy and rugby league have the same responsibility to ensure schools are informed. To achieve consistency in this regard we ask that all confirmed concussions be reported to Northumberland Rugby Union (email concussions@northumberlandrfu.co.uk) so that information sharing can be achieved consistently and with the proper consents.

It is imperative parents/guardians of Age-Grade players take responsibility for the welfare of their child and ensure they do not play if concussion is suspected.  Parents/guardians should be advised to pass information between the various organisations their child is involved in.

If a player has been removed from play due to a possible concussion then that player should adhere to Graduated Return to  Play (GRTP) as there is no formal Head Injury Assessment (HIA) for players in the amateur game.  Further advice will be available when requested.

Clubs, Schools, Universities and Representative squads must follow the RFU Concussion advice and GRTP recommendations.  Full details of the RFU protocols and GRTP can be found here. 

 

Age Grade Concussion Protocol Form

"*" indicates required fields

Please complete the form below and return asap to concussions@northumberlandrfu.co.uk titled Concussion Confidential. The County Office will then contact the following if parent/guardian has agreed: Club contacts, School/ACE/College contact, County Representative Rugby Team Manager and Lead Coach, DPP Lead Coach, Falcons Academy Contacts (Rugby Union and/or League, as appropriate) within 48 hours. Parent/Guardian will be copied in on the e-mail sent. Please ensure you have informed the appropriate people within your club/school.
DD slash MM slash YYYY
DD slash MM slash YYYY
Has the player's Parents or Guardian been informed?*
Does the parent/guardian give permission for information to be circulated*
Has the Player/Guardian been notified that information will be kept on file and are happy that paperwork will be kept for reference.*
Is the player in County DPP, County Rugby, Newcastle Falcons Academy, ACE Scheme at Gosforth Academy, Newcastle Thunder, or any other Rugby League Team?*

If the concussion happens at a club game, where possible, and with the consent of the player, the player’s club, and if appropriate University, Representative, Rugby League and Falcons should be informed. To achieve consistency in this regard we ask that all confirmed adult concussions be reported to Northumberland Rugby Union (email concussions@northumberlandrfu.co.uk) so that information sharing can be achieved consistently and with the proper consent.

 

If a player has been removed from play due to a possible concussion then that player should adhere to Graduated Return to  Play (GRTP) as there is no formal Head Injury Assessment (HIA) for players in the amateur game.  Further advice will be available when requested.

 

Clubs, Schools, Universities and Representative squads must follow the RFU Concussion advice and GRTP recommendations.  Full details of the RFU protocols and GRTP can be found here. 

 

Adult Concussion Protocol Form

"*" indicates required fields

Please complete the form below and return asap to concussions@northumberlandrfu.co.uk titled Concussion Confidential. The County Office will then contact the club and other relevent groups eg, University or H.E. Coach, relevant County Representative Rugby Team Manager and Coach, within 48 hours. Please ensure you have informed the appropriate people within your club.
DD slash MM slash YYYY
DD slash MM slash YYYY
Does the player give permission for information to be circulated*
Player has been notified that information will be kept on file and is happy that paperwork will be kept for reference.*
Is the player in a County, Falcons Academy, University or Rugby League squad?*
If the player is playing both University and Club Rugby, please make sure you provide contact information for both lead coaches.

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