Concussion guides
The information on this page provides links to concussion guidance and assessment tools for sports players.
Any sports governing bodies that are interested in promoting their specific guides on this page should contact us on website@headway.org.uk.
By sport
Pan-sport
Not all sports governing bodies have robust concussion protocols in place. This document, which was drawn up by the Scottish government's chief medical officer, leading medics and representatives from Sport Scotland and several of the country's sporting bodies, was designed to be suitable for all sports.
The Forum on Concussion in Sport and Physical Education has produced guidelines that set out the importance of good management of concussion, how to recognise it, how to respond to it and how to ensure a child or young person returns safely to their education and sport.
Rugby
The RFU has developed detailed guidance and interactive online courses for players, coaches, match officials, teachers, parents and guardians.
The WRU has produced comprehensive information with their Concussion: Recognise and remove guidelines, including signs of concussion, on-field management guides and return to play programmes.
The Rugby League has a range of easy to access guides and courses available on their website.
Football
The Football Association (FA) has developed information and advice about how to recognise and manage a concussion from the time of injury through to a player's safe return to football.
Hockey
England Hockey's concussion guidance and policy is available to download on their website along with tools for assessing players.
Concussion in children
While the signs and immediate effects of concussion are similar for both children and adults, there are subtle differences in concussion management.
The Child Brain Injury Trust has compiled a range of informative factsheets, links and information to help understand and manage concussion in children.
The Children's Trust have put together guides on the management of concussion among children, with awareness materials aimed at schools, parents and guardians.
Assessment tools
The documents in the Related resources section provide useful tools for medical professionals to help recognise and assess players with suspected concussion. Always seek medical advice if you have concerns over a player's health, and adopt an 'If in doubt, sit it out' approach.
