Concussion in Sport

Concussion refers to a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or indirect force to the head. Usually the changes are temporary and the majority of players recover completely if managed correctly. Concussion is a common problem in many sports especially those involving body contact, collision or high speed. In Australia, common participation sports such as AFL, rugby league and rugby union have high rates of concussion. Concussion is also highly associated with soccer, cricket, netball and equestrian. Concussion is more common in children than any other age group. Children have significant physical and developmental differences that place them at higher risk of concussion compared to adults. These include:

• Poorly developed neck muscles

• Increased head to neck ratio

• Brain cells and pathways still developing

This results in a greater injury to the child’s brain for the same impact force.

It is recommended that children (5 - 17 years) should be managed more conservatively than adults because:

• Their brains are still developing

• Children are more easily concussed than adults

• Children experience more symptoms and take longer to recover

• Girls are more susceptible to concussions than boys and generally take longer to recover from a concussion than boys.

ADSSC acknowledges that it is not feasible to eliminate the risk of concussion in sport. However, it is committed to responding to suspected or actual concussion in a way that facilitates the recovery of the student and does not put them at risk of further harm. It is our policy that:

• 
  A student suspected of having concussion will be removed from sport and not allowed to return to sport that day;
  

• A student who has been hit in the head or the body showing some symptoms where concussion cannot be ruled out, will be treated as if they have concussion - 'if in doubt sit it out';
  

There should be immediate referral to an emergency department (call an ambulance) if any of the following occurs:

• Neck pain;

• Increasing confusion or irritability;

• Repeated vomiting;

• Seizure or convulsion;

• Weakness or tingling/burning in the arms or legs;

• Deteriorating conscious state;

• Severe or increasing headache;

• Unusual behavioural change; or

• Visual or hearing disturbance.

For all other concussion symptoms, the following action should be taken:

• Immediate and permanent removal from sport or activity on that day;

• Take normal first aid precautions including neck protection; and

• Refer to a medical practitioner as soon as practical.

Students with a suspected concussion should not be left alone. Following a diagnosis of concussion, the student should have complete physical and cognitive rest. They should only return to learning after being symptom free for at least 48 hours.

RETURN TO SCHOOL

• Concussion can cause problems with memory and information processing which interferes with the child’s ability to learn

• It is reasonable for a child to miss 1- 3 days of school after concussion but extended absence is uncommon Children are not to return to school until medically cleared

• Children may need to progress through a graduated return to school program

RETURN TO PLAY

• Children are not to return to play/sport until they have successfully returned to school without worsening of symptoms

• Children should be returned to play through a graduated return to sport program

• For children, the graduated return to sport program should be extended to include a longer rest period (48hrs) and recommended minimum of 14 days from when the symptoms cease before returning to full contact sport (after medical clearance) For children, a more conservative approach should be adopted – with an emphasis on return to learn.

The Concussion in Sport website provides best practice information, guidelines and resources to all stakeholders involved in sport. The website targets club administrators, coaches, teachers, parents and first aid providers to assist them to manage concussion injuries appropriately. For the latest information and advice on how to manage concussion injuries, information for teachers, parents and players please visit the site.