Summary:

The Community Rugby League Concussion Policy prioritises player safety by detailing clear steps for identifying, managing, and treating concussions. Key compliance-related aspects include:

1. Immediate Removal: Any player suspected of suffering a concussion must be immediately removed from the game or training session. Under no circumstances are they allowed to return to play until they have undergone a medical assessment and received clearance from a qualified doctor, even if their symptoms improve.
2. Medical Clearance: Players are required to obtain medical clearance using the official NRL Head Injury/Concussion Medical Clearance Form before resuming contact training or playing in matches. The policy explicitly forbids players from returning without proper medical authorisation.
3. Return to Sport (RTS) Strategy: A phased RTS strategy is outlined, where each stage must be completed without the reappearance of symptoms. For children and adolescents, a longer recovery period is mandated, with additional caution taken before they are allowed to resume full contact activities.
4. Restrictions on Activities: Players with suspected concussions must avoid driving, consuming alcohol, and using anti-inflammatory medications or strong painkillers until they are medically cleared.
5. Multiple Concussions: Players who experience multiple concussions or prolonged symptoms must be referred to a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation before returning to any contact sport.

This protocol strictly enforces medical compliance to protect players from the long-term effects of concussions, ensuring their health and welfare are prioritised.

Flowchart for Concussion Protocol

1. Suspected Concussion

   Player is immediately removed from the game or training session.

2. No Return to Play

   Player is not allowed to return to play until medically cleared.

3. Medical Assessment

   Player is assessed by a qualified doctor.

4. Medical Clearance Required

   Player must obtain the NRL Head Injury/Concussion Medical Clearance Form.

5. Return to Sport (RTS) Strategy

   Player follows the phased RTS protocol to ensure no reappearance of symptoms.

6. Monitor Symptoms

   If symptoms persist or there are multiple concussions, refer the player to a specialist.

7. Cleared to Play

   Player is cleared to return to full activities only after completing RTS and receiving final medical clearance.

   Downloads:

   HIA Medical Clearance - Community.pdf

   Concussion recognition and referral form.pdf

   Concussion protocol_Community.pdf

https://clubhub.nswrl.com.au/support/solutions/51000268651

flowchart TD
    A[Identify Suspected 
    Concussion] --> B{Any concussion Symptoms 
    Present?                }
    B -- Yes --> C[Apply First Aid 
    Remove from Game]
    C --> D{Red Flags Present?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Call Ambulance 
    or Refer to Hospital]
    D -- No --> F[Refer to Medical Practitioner
    for Assessment]

    F --> G{Doctor Confirms Concussion?}
    G -- Yes --> H[Follow Return to Sport Protocol]
    G -- No --> I[Monitor for Any Symptoms]

    H --> J[1: Symptom-Limited Activity]
    J --> K[2: Light Aerobic Exercise]
    K --> L[3: Individual Sport-Specific Drills]
    L --> M[4: Non-Contact Training Drills]
    M --> N[5: Full Contact Practice]
    N --> O[6: Return to Competition]

    O --> P[Medical Clearance Required
    for Each Step]