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 injury or is suspected of such, the player must be immediately attended on the pitch by a suitably trained First Aider to look for signs or symptoms of concussion. THERE IS NO HIA IN THE COMMUNITY GAME.  IF A CONCUSSION IS SUSPECTED, THE PLAYER IS PUT ONTO THE GRAS PROGRAMME

RFU Guidelines recommend every team has access to a qualified First Aider as a minimum requirement. 

The CRT 6 (Concussion Recognition Tool) can be used by anyone (i.e. non Health Care Professionals) for the identification and immediate management of a suspected concussion. It is not designed to diagnose concussion. Download CRT 6 (Everyone) 

Any player showing any signs or symptoms of possible concussion MUST be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY AND NOT GO BACK ON. They must then follow the RFU Headcase GRAS programme. The HEADCASE Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme document provides a step by step guide on the NEW return to play programme. This is now a minimum of 21 days for ALL community rugby players and includes a phased approach across 6 stages.

Download GRAS Programme

Even if you are using the Proactive Injury Reporting app, in Northumberland we then require you to follow the reporting protocol below. We specifically draw your attention to the need to ASK FOR CONSENT to STORE and SHARE their INFORMATION as per GDPR LAW.