Northland Rugby Union Concussion Trial Protocol
Introduction
The Northland Rugby Union takes player Welfare extremely seriously. In 2014 the Union is
initiating a procedure to ensure players that are subjected to concussion receive sufficient
medical treatment before returning to rugby.
Unfortunately concussion is a part of rugby; however what we can do is ensure that
everything possible is done for a player once they have been identified to have taken a
knock to the head. In the past we were required to clearly identify concussion before
applying NZR concussion protocols. We now propose to soften that requirement by
introducing the words “ player’s SUSPECTED of being concussed “ so the NZR concussion
protocols can kick in more often and thereby making sure that players do no take the field
to early .
The Concussion trial has been endorsed by NZR who are keen to have access to the end of
season data to evaluate the trial.
The trial will be implemented from the 1st March 2014 to all grades from 1st XV Club and
above.
Concussion Process On-Field:
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Only a modest change to previous seasons
No effect to current law – only change is referee now displays a card
Card to be blue
The issuing of a blue card triggers formal Off-field follow up processes/procedures
Card removes any doubt as to whether player removed for concussion. There can be
no opportunity for the player to return to the field if he/she “recovers”.
Note: Card does not signify conducting of PSCA (this does not apply in
Community Rugby)
The card that the referee will issue will be similar in concept to the yellow/red card that
currently is in use. When a player is suspected of concussion the referee will show the card
(as they currently do for yellow/red cards) at the next stoppage. The player will leave be
asked to leave the field.
Below is a copy of the card, note the concussion indicators and questions that will be
available to use.
Copy of Referee card:
Front
Indicator
Evidence
Symptoms
Headache, dizziness, “feeling in fog”
Physical signs
Loss of consciousness, vacant expression, vomiting,
inappropriate behaviour, unsteady, slow reactions
Inappropriate emotions, irritability, nervous or
anxious
Slow reactions, confusion/disorientation, poor
attention, loss of memory before and after
concussion
Behavioural
changes
Cognitive
impairment
Back:
Clarification question
Which ground are we at today?
Which half is it now?
Which team are you playing today?
Which team scored the last try today?
Off-Field Follow Up Processes/Procedures – Referee and Team Coach
1. Issuing of Card (by Referee) initiates:
a. Identification of concussed player on NRU official team sheet
b. Completion and submission to the NRU of a Serious Injury Report by:
 Match Referee
 Team Coach
c. NRU Operations manager will draft a letter to Club/player confirming that the
player has been stood down from playing rugby because of concussion. This
letter will outline the procedure to return to play.
d. NRU Operations manager to create a Concussion database of players that are
involved in the trial for statistics purposes.
Off-Field Follow Up Processes/Procedures – Player
1. Issuing of Card (by Referee)
a. This initiates implementation of IRB Concussion Guidelines requiring the
player to complete each stage of the IRB GRTP (Graduated Return To Play)
Protocols. (NZ Rugby DSLV Law 10.1.2)
 Recommended that suspected concussed player seek medical
attention within 24 hrs.
 Player must obtain medical clearance to resume contact training
 Player must produce Medical certificate to NRU to resume playing,
this must be received by the NRU office 24 hours before scheduled
return to play.
b. There are no grounds for a team to challenge the issuing of a Card (except
misidentification of player)
As per Rugby Smart protocol, all players suspected of being concussed should not drink
alcohol after the game.
Off-Field Follow Up Processes/Procedures – Northland Rugby Union
1. Introduce and Maintain Blue Card (Player identified with concussion) Register
2. Forward letter to Club of player reminding club/team of need for this player to
obtain a Medical Clearance in order to Return to Training/Play.
3. Monitor Return To Play of all players issued with Blue Card
4. Introduce Competition Rules sanctioning team/club if they play a player who has not
presented a Medical Certificate to confirm fitness to Return to Play.
5. Northland Rugby Union to submit Blue Card (Player identified with concussion)
Register to New Zealand Rugby (as required).
Referee Training
All registered Northland Rugby referees must undertake a specific training and development
session focussing on identifying the symptoms of concussion. This session must be
conducted by an appropriate Medical authority.