Latest guidelines on concussion management

“If in doubt, sit them out.”

Sports Medicine Australia has collaborated with the Australian Institute of Sport and other peak associations to launch the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport.

Bringing together the most contemporary evidence-based information on concussion for athletes, parents, teachers, coaches and healthcare practitioners, the guidelines are easy to follow and contain step-by-step actions with an emphasis on the health of the athlete and a return-to-play only after the recommended time.

“With concussion being a major issue in sport, it is imperative that all athletes, not just those competing at an elite level who have immediate access to team doctors, get the care and attention they need,” said Sports Medicine Australia CEO Jamie Crain.

“These guidelines will help keep all young and community-based athletes safe. They have been rigorously developed and reviewed in partnership with several organisations based on data, expertise and experience."

The return to sport protocol for community and youth sport includes:

• At least 14 days symptom free (at rest) before return to contact/collision training.
• A minimum period of 21 days until the resumption of competitive contact/collision sport.
• Introduction of light exercise after an initial 24-48 hours of relative rest.
• Gradual reintroduction of learning and work activities. As with physical activity, cognitive stimulation such as using screens, reading, undertaking learning activities should be gradually introduced after 48 hours.
• Return to learn and work activities should take priority over return to sport.

To assist in managing concussion in community and youth sport, Sports Medicine Australia has also created a downloadable Return to Sport poster.

This poster provides simple steps to ensure athletes with suspected concussion get the treatment and recovery time they need. Posters can be placed around sporting locations, added to club websites and a QR code links to the full guidelines.

For more information on concussion guidelines, visit Sports Medicine Australia's website.