Landmark concussion guidance for all grassroots sport has been launched by the Government and the Sport and Recreation Alliance.
The ‘if in doubt, sit them out’ guidance says that participants suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from play and not return for at least 24 hours.
The guidelines also recommend calling NHS 111 within 24 hours of a potential concussion, to rest and sleep as much as needed for 24 to 48 hours and to avoid screen time.
Following recovery from a concussion, the guidance sets out criteria for a graduated return to play.
This guidance applies to all participants of sport, at all ages. It was developed by an expert panel of clinicians and academics in neurology and sports medicine.
Simon Shaw MBE, former England rugby union player and President of the ‘Love of the Game’ campaign, said:
“Whether playing football as part of a Sunday league or training for a boxing match, it’s crucial that sportspeople at every level are protected.
“This guidance will help everyone involved in grassroots sport recognise the signs of concussion and remove people from play where necessary. The information is clear: If in doubt, sit them out."
Recognise, remove, return
Coaches, sports groups, parents and participants are asked to read the guidance and familiarise themselves with the steps to:
- recognise the signs of concussion
- remove anyone suspected of being concussed immediately
- return safely to daily activity and sport
Red-flag symptoms
Serious symptoms requiring urgent or emergency medical assessment include loss of consciousness, drowsiness, memory loss, seizure, severe or increasing headache, neck pain, vomiting and previous history of brain surgery or bleeding disorder.
About concussion
A concussion is a brain injury. Most people with concussion fully recover with time. Concussion can happen at any age but children and young people may be more susceptible and can take longer to recover from symptoms.