Community Concussion Management Pathway

We are currently reviewing how the Community Concussion Management Pathway will be offered in 2024.

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.

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 provides information to the relevant stakeholders at the appropriate time points to improve concussion management at the community level. The CCMP translates evidence-based, gold-standard guidelines and tools into a smartphone and web-based application.The NZR Community Concussion Management Pathway (run in conjunction with CSx Limited) offers a centralised concussion management tool for players.  The Pathway involves:

  1. recording of baseline concussion testing
  2. logging of concussion incidents
  3. 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
  4. 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. 

Please note:

  • Concussion-related GP visits are fully subsidised.

WHERE CAN I FIND A GP?      

North Harbour: Independent Dr. John Mayhew 021 767 322
Hibiscus Coast: Silverdale Medical Centre Dr. Andrew Webster 09 427 9997
    Dr. Warren Groarke  
  Hibiscus Coast Medical Centre Dr. Andrew Chambers 09 421 9170
Napier:  Central Medical Dr. Jon Eames 06 843 2320
Taradale: EIT Health Centre Dr. Wendy Gush 06 830 1919
  Taradale Medical Centre Dr. Chris Kirton 06 844 6831
Hastings: Hastings Health Centre Mairangi Suite Dr. Graeme McCrory 06 873 8530
  Hawkes Bay Sports Medicine Dr. Aylse Cameron 06 870 7001
  Mahora Medical Centre Dr. Regi Nair 06 878 2722
  Totara Health Dr. Maggie Riley 06 873 9024
Central Hawkes Bay: Tukituki Medical Centre Dr Pauline Teong 06 858 7767
Masterton:  Kuripuni Medical Centre Katie Inker (Nurse Practitioner) 06 377 4093
Greytown: Greytown Medical Centre Nicole Kolvenbag (Nurse Practitioner) 06 304 9012
Queenstown: Queenstown Medical Centre Gaylene Hastie (Nurse Practitioner) 03 441 0500
  The Village Health Centre Dr. Fiona Rorrison 03 441 4333
    Dr. Laura Brown  
Wanaka: Wanaka Medical Centre Dr. Andrew McLeod 03 443 0710
Dunedin: Student Health Dr. Bret Dougherty 03 479 8212
Balclutha: Clutha Health First Gayle Lindley (Nurse Practitioner) 03 419 0500
    Dr. Nico Van Egmond  
Alexandra: Alexandra Family Medical  Dr. Nic Norman 03 901 6277
Otago:  Independent Dr. Mary Holden 03 366 0620 
    Dr. Helen Chignell  022 1124 5279
    Dr. Jordana Tafatu 021 0269 6269

 * let reception know you're part of the NZR Concussion Pilot.

FAQS

What should I do if a concussion GP is not listed in my area?

If a concussion GP is not available in your area, contact your personal GP but keep your receipts so we can reimburse your GP visit.

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