Cobham Rugby

Concussion

 

Concussion is a difficult injury to both assess and treat. In the vast majority of cases symptoms of concussion resolve over a short period of time and have no lasting impact on a players health. Despite this there have been cases of concussion masking more serious head trauma and so no chances should be taken.

 

A comprehensive concussion management protocol is in practice at Cobham Rugby. In line with World Rugby and RFU policy, players that are believed to have sustained or report a head injury leading to concussive symptoms will be removed from play immediately.

 

The symptoms of concussion include:

 

Headache 

“Pressure in head” 

Neck Pain 

Nausea or vomiting 

Dizziness 

Blurred vision 

Balance problems 

Drowsiness 

More emotional 

Irritability 

Nervous or Anxious 

 

Sensitivity to light 

Sensitivity to noise 

Feeling slowed down 

Feeling like “in a fog“ 

“Don’t feel right” 

Difficulty concentrating 

Difficulty remembering 

Fatigue or low energy 

Confusion 

Sadness 

Trouble falling asleep (if applicable) 

 

Taken from the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) available HERE

 

If a player has been removed from play due to a head injury, they will be guided to a follow up assessment by a qualified onsite therapist present for all matches and training. Players will be asked to participate in a physical and neurological assessment. The player/parent will be supplied with a copy of the assessment within an information pack. 

 

We ask all parents to report injuries sustained at school or representative teams to age group coaching staff. This is one of the biggest challenges of concussion management and as such parents are relied upon to pass on key injury information. If your child has sustained an injury elsewhere that has been reported to coaches or First aiders, they will be asked to see the onsite therapist to be assessed. parental acknowledgement that a suitable graded return to play has occurred, in line with RFU guidance, is required before a return to play is permitted. 

 

How parents can help

 

team duty First Aid Volunteers (FAV's) will be keeping close watch for potential injuries. They cannot watch every player. If you suspect that a player has sustained a head injury that may require review, please inform the coaches or FAV. Player safety is paramount.

 

If your child develops noticeable symptoms that have gone previously unobserved, please contact lead physiotherapist - David Silver MCSP below and/or seek medical attention as soon as possible.

 

For more information on concussion or other injuries please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

As part of the RFU’s recent drive to increase concussion awareness, a series of online resources are available on the RFU HEADCASE website.

 

England Rugby Concussion.jpg

 

Below are links to key educational resources for players, coaches and match officials. Cobham Rugby continues to be at the forefront of concussion research, management and assessment. Why?, because we love the game and care as much about player safety as you do.

 

 Cobham Rugby encourages you and your child to complete the relevant section below and make sure safety comes first.

 

http://www.englandrugby.com/medical/concussion-awareness/coaches/

 

http://www.englandrugbyfiles.com/medical/concussion-awareness/players/

 

http://www.englandrugbyfiles.com/medical/concussion-awareness/match-officials/

 

 

 

 

 

David Silver BSc MSc MCSP SRP

Lead Physiotherapist - Cobham Rugby