In partnership with seven national sporting organisations, ACC has announced the new National Concussion Guidelines for community sport, which bring a consistent standard for recognising and treating concussion.

The guidelines – which come into effect for the 2024 winter sport season – are designed to improve the health outcomes and wellbeing for people who play community sport by introducing a standardised approach to managing concussion.

They provide principles and general advice for the sport community and health professionals to recognise and treat concussion in a consistent way.

The key changes are: (1) When a player suffers a concussion, they must have a minimum period of 21 days away from full competition and (2) medical clearance must be obtained prior to return to play.

“Historically, there has been no national and consistent standard for recognising and treating concussion at the community sport level,” says Tane Cassidy, ACC’s Deputy Chief Executive of Prevention and Partnerships. 

“As a player, parent, caregiver, member of whānau, coach, club official or referee, it’s hard to know what advice to follow. Similarly for GPs, it’s confusing and hard to know what advice to give and to who.  

“This inconsistency increases the risk of people either not reporting their concussion at all or reporting their concussion but returning to sport too soon and risking more serious injury.

“These National Concussion Guidelines aim to change that.”

To view the full article & link to the guideline document, please Click Here

Article added: Monday 12 February 2024