Adult & U19s Concussion Management Protocols, Guidelines & Return to Play The RFU guidance PDF document is available below.

At Beccehamian RFC there is a strict protocol for head injuries and concussion (season 2019/20 & beyond) effective immediately and going forward.

If a player suffers a knock to the head and has one or more sign and symptom of concussion, they MUST be removed from play immediately and under NO circumstance will be allowed to return to play.

Red Flag Signs and Symptoms:
• Neck pain or tenderness
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling/ burning in arms or legs
• Severe or increasing headache
• Seizure or convulsion
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Impaired concentration
• Memory problems
• Extreme tiredness
• Intolerance to light and noise

After being removed from play, serious cases will be sent to hospital and minor cases should seek medical advice from the clubs sports therapist Tristan Storch (tfsstorch@hotmail.com / 07944 772020 ). Adults should normally have a rest period of 19 days, and children 23 days. The times stated at each phase are “minimums”, players who do not recover fully within these timeframes, will need to undertake a longer RTP.

Before returning to play, a Gradual Return to Play protocol MUST be followed under the supervision of Roisin. For children, please inform the school of any suspected concussions as symptoms can get worse with mental activity.

Gradual Return to Play Protocol:
1. Symptom limited activity
2. Light aerobic exercise
3. Sport specific exercise – No contact
4. Non-contact training drills
5. Full contact practice
6. Return to play/sport

Symptoms can worsen 24-48 hours post injury, the athlete should not be left alone and go straight to hospital if they experience any of the following:
• Worsening headache
• Drowsiness or inability to be awakened
• Inability to recognize people or places
• Repeated vomiting
• Unusual behaviour, confusion or irritable
• Seizures (arms and legs jerk uncontrollably)
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
• Unsteadiness on their feet.
• Slurred speech

The RFU Headcase concussion management guidelines and protocols document is attached below, and the direct website link is available here:
https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/playing/headcase