What must happen on the day when a player has a suspected concussion?

The SARU Concussion Regulations (3.1.2) say any player with a concussion or suspected concussion:

• must be immediately and permanently removed from training or the match ("Recognise and Remove"). A player can be concussed without losing consciousness;
• must be assessed by a medical practitioner or approved healthcare professional;
• must not return to training or play on the same day, and not until symptom free;
• must be monitored for red flags that need transfer to a medical facility.

Red flags (Appendix 2), refer immediately:

• headache that worsens, increasing drowsiness or deteriorating consciousness
• not recognising people or places, increasing confusion or irritability, unusual behaviour
• repeated vomiting, seizures or slurred speech
• one or both pupils enlarging
• severe neck pain, or weakness or numbness in the limbs

Outside World Rugby-approved elite adult matches, an off-field HIA screen must not be used to return the player to the field. The BokSmart Concussion Guide and a SCAT tool are part of the minimum sideline kit.