Sideline assessment

All players exhibiting signs or complaining of symptoms suggestive of concussion should be immediately removed from the field of play and be medically assessed.

Step 1: Red Flags

  • Neck Pain or tenderness
  • Double vision
  • Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
  • Severe or increasing headaches
  • Seizure or convulsion
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Deteriorating conscious state
  • Vomiting
  • Increasingly restless, agitated or combative

Concussion Recognition Tool 5© outlined in the World Rugby Concussion education module for the General Public also provides a list of concussion signs and symptoms.

Step 2: Observable Signs

  • Lying Motionless on the playing surface
  • Balance/ gait difficulties/ motor incoordination: stumbling, slow/laboured movements
  • Disorientation or confusion, or an inability to respond appropriately to questions
  • Blank or vacant look
  • Facial injury after head trauma