Anyone who suffers a concussion should not play a contact sport for at least 21 days, the first-ever government concussion guidance for grassroots sport across the UK has warned.
Coaches, teachers and referees are also urged to immediately remove anyone with a suspected concussion from the field of play, under the slogan “When in doubt, sit them out”, and to get players assessed by a healthcare professional.
The guidelines, which have been published to help people identify, manage and prevent concussion affecting players in grassroots sport, also include a recommendation to call NHS 111 within 24 hours of a potential concussion, and not to drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery or drink alcohol during that period.
The news was welcomed by the England Rugby World Cup winner and former British and Irish Lions player Simon Shaw, who said it would help address the concerns of anxious parents and provide important information for players, coaches and volunteers across sport.
“It is important to lay down some guidelines so it gives people more confidence to let kids play a lot of sports,” said Shaw. “Is it going to totally alleviate people’s concerns about concussion? No. But it will mitigate some of them.
“Our knowledge of what concussion was back in the day and what it is now is very different,” added Shaw, who twice suffered a broken cheekbone in his career. “Back in the day, unless you were knocked clean out, seeing stars or hearing tweety birds, you hadn’t sustained a concussion. I was never knocked out on the pitch but that’s not to say I hadn’t had a concussion. Of course I did.
“But our knowledge and understanding is improving beyond belief in a very short period of time – and there is also technology out there seeking to find the solution for a definitive ‘what is concussion, what isn’t concussion, how does it happen, when does it happen’ for that person.”
“But until we get to that point we need guidelines. There is no alternative. So it is about spotting the signs and the symptoms, and players being honest about their symptoms.”
The guidelines, which have been drawn up by a panel of neurology and sports medicine experts, also lay out a step-by-step plan for those with a concussion to return to play.
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For those playing a sport with a risk of a head injury, it recommends returning to full training only after 14 days of being symptom-free – and competing again after 21 days at the earliest.
Prof James Calder, the chair of the UK Concussion Guidelines expert drafting group, said the guidance would develop over time as fresh research became available but it would serve as a valuable starting point.
“For the first time we have UK-wide guidance that raises awareness of concussion in grassroots sport at all levels,” he said. “It provides practical evidence-based advice for those who may have sustained a concussion and gives a step-by-step plan for their safe return to work, education, exercise and full sport.”
The guidance was also welcomed by the sports minister, Stuart Andrew, who said: “Sport keeps us healthy and active but it is not without risk and major injuries to the head can and do happen. Whether used in a local leisure centre during a swimming lesson or on a village green during a cricket match, the guidance will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
