Does a doctor have to clear a player before they return to sport?

No. Under the 2024 guidelines there is no longer any expectation of a review by a doctor or healthcare professional to move through the return programme, including moving to contact training or back to matches.

What is required:

• Everyone with a suspected concussion should be assessed by a healthcare professional on site, or through NHS 111, within 24 hours of the injury.
• After that, the graduated return to activity and sport can usually be self-managed, following the stage rules (no contact training before day 15, no competition before day 21).
• Seek medical advice through 111 if symptoms get worse or haven't improved by 14 days, and from a GP if they last beyond 28 days.

Players in elite settings with specialist medical teams may follow an individualised plan and can be cleared earlier. That does not apply to grassroots sport.