CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

The Management of Sport-Related Concussion in Australian Football outlines the steps in initial management, including:

1. Recognising a suspected concussion
2. Removing the player from the game
3. Referring the player to a medical doctor for assessment

Where there is no medical doctor present to assess the player, or the diagnosis of concussion cannot be ruled out at the time of injury, the player must NOT be allowed to return to play in the same match / training session.The guidelines also outline the steps to follow for return to play following a concussion including:

1. A brief period of complete physical and cognitive rest (24-48 hours).
2. A period of symptom-limited activity (e.g., reading, walking) to allow full recovery.
3. A graded loading program (with monitoring).
4. Clearance by a medical doctor (prior to returning to competitive contact sport / full contact training sessions).

The earliest that a player may return to play (once they have successfully completed a graded loading program and they have obtained medical clearance) is on the 12th day after the day on which the concussion was suffered.

View Form: Match Day Head Injury & Referral Form (2 page)

View Poster: Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (1 page, step-by-step guide)

View Flowchart: Four Stages of Graded Return to Play (1 page)

View Checklist: Return to Play Following Concussion (1 page)

View Form: Return to Play Medical Clearance Form (2 page)

View Guide: The Management of Sport-related Concussion in Australian Football (18 pages)

View Poster: Concussion Management in Australian Football (1 page)

View Guide: Social Media Guide (4 pages)

Watch Video: Jack Riewoldt discusses his experience

Watch Video: Jude Bolton discusses concussion seriousness

Coaching: Prep to play skills - videos & posters

View FAQs: Most common concussion FAQs (5 pages)

Download: Headcheck Concussion Management App

Connectivity Education: Sport-Related Concussion Short Course (15mins)