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