Community Concussion Management Pathway

We want to ensure that anyone involved in rugby - players, coaches, refs and family - know what to look out for and what to do when they suspect a player has sustained a concussion. We are currently reviewing the Concussion Management Pathway for how it will be offered in 2025.

The Community Concussion Management Pathway (CCMP) provides a clear pathway for all players, coaches, physios, and parents to follow when a player receives a suspected concussion. We recognise that concussions are not always a visible injury and it is important we are cautious following a suspected concussion.

The CCMP is currently being offered in three unions - Otago, North Harbour and Hawkes Bay. We have now centralised reporting of suspected concussions through the Concussion Webform. The CSx app, which has been used for baseline testing, concussion reporting and medical assessments will be phased out as of 2025.

The CCMP provides information to the relevant stakeholders at the appropriate time points to improve concussion management at the community level. 

  1. logging of concussion incidents
  2. automated email notifications when a concussion is logged (to player, emergency contact, school/club and PU) and contains advice around management and graduated return to play
  3. notification of medical clearance from doctor when player is cleared to return to contact (to player, emergency contact, school/club and PU).

New Zealand Rugby’s Community Concussion Initiative is a model centred around player welfare. The model aims to target positive behaviour changes in concussion attitudes and reporting behaviours across all individuals in the rugby community – including players, coaches, support staff, and parents.The NZR Community Concussion Initiative is centred around player welfare using six target areas:

  • Education
  • Concussion Management Pathway
  • Blue Card
  • Injury Management
  • Concussion Policy
  • Concussion Protocols

VISITING A GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP)

If you have a suspected concussion you need to visit a General Practitioner (GP) for diagnosis and management so you can rest, recover and return to play or learning as safely and quickly as possible. Similarly, if you had a concussion, you must be cleared by a GP before you return to play. 

FAQS

What should I do between my concussion and visiting a GP?

It's important to know what to look for and what to do if you think a concussion has happened. Concussion symptoms can happen right away, or up to two days after the event.

What are Concussion red flags?

If a player appears to have any of the following symptoms, they must see a doctor right away:

  • Neck pain
  • Increasing confusion
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Double vision
  • Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
  • Decreasing levels of consciousness
  • Bad or worsening headache
  • Unusual behaviour changes

If there are no Red Flags but you think they might be concussed, make sure they:

  • See a doctor
  • Are with someone responsible and don't go home alone
  • Do not drink alcohol or take drugs
  • Do not drive
  • Rest (no exercise, thinking tasks and screens)

To give players the best chance for a full recovery, it's important to follow best practice. All concussed players should follow the Graduated Return to Learn/Work.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please email concussion@nzrugby.co.nz