Concussion Management and Return to Sport Strategy
Concussion Management Resources
Click below to view and download one of the concussion management documents.
Concussion overview
Understanding Concussion
Hear from Dr.Mark Winder (Neurosurgeon) and Alan Tongue (Former NRL Player) about what concussion is and the importance of management. "We start that education process with the players. Talking about signs and symptoms, and talking about the processes that need to be undertaken to come back and recover from these concussion issues. And also to give them the opportunity to start thinking about their life after football and the impact concussions may have on their lives."
How to manage a Suspected Concussion
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Concussion Management - Course
This FREE online course includes important information on the management of concussion in Community Rugby League. All members of our Rugby League community are welcome to complete this course to gain a greater understanding of what concussion is and how it is managed.
Concussion Management Resources
Click below to view and download additional information and resources.
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Summary of Changes to Policy
72 Hour Assessment Window
Timing is everything. Doctors typically use a tool called SCAT6 to assess players. It works best when used within 72 hours of the injury—after that, research indicates it gets harder to spot the signs of concussion accurately. This aims to further safeguard players and prevent misdiagnoses.
NRL/State League CMO Right to Enforce Stand-down
Player safety is the top priority. If there’s strong evidence (like video footage, loss of consciousness, or seizures) the NRL and/or State League Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have the power to enforce a stand-down period for players who show clear signs of a probable concussion—even if they’ve been medically cleared afterwards for a minimum stand-down period. This means:
- The player must follow the Return to Sport (RTS) strategy, which includes a gradual return to play and another medical clearance.
- They won’t be available for selection in MySideline until they’ve completed the RTS process.
Define All-Game Day Roles
If a player is marked as Unavailable in MySideline, they can’t be added to a team sheet on game day—this includes not just playing roles but also support roles like LeagueSafe. This update supports players through Stages 1–4 of the Return to Sport (RTS) strategy. Once a player has successfully completed Stage 4 and received medical clearance, they can take on any game day role they’re accredited for.
Management of Unconscious Player
Guidance when an unconscious player, who may have a spinal injury, can be moved by someone other than a trained medical professional (e.g., Ambulance Officer, Paramedic) in line with the NRL Neck Injury and Cervical Collar Policy.
Hydration, Sleep, Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Details have been added on the benefits of hydration – helps maintain brain function, quality sleep – critical for brain repair and reducing inflammation, and the reduction of stress and anxiety in aiding a smoother recovery and preventing the exacerbation of symptoms when managing a concussion.
Multiple and Concerning Concussions
When it comes to multiple and concerning concussion, instead of talking about “seasons,” it is now defined in time period’s ie. 3 and 12-month period’s. Using actual timeframes rather than seasons is Guided by the AIS Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement and better safeguards players.
Advanced Care Setting
More clearly defining Advanced Care Settings will help State League and competition administrators run Pathways and Elite competitions in line with the NRL On-Field Policy. It also sets out the minimum stand-down period for players aged 18 and under, in Pathways and Elite competitions