What happens if my child might have concussion, and when can they play again?

If in doubt, sit them out. There is no Head Injury Assessment in the community game. Any player with possible signs or symptoms of concussion must be removed from training or a match immediately and must not return that day, even if they feel better or a parent disagrees.

Straight away:

• Get your child assessed by a healthcare professional, for example by calling NHS 111, within 24 hours, even if symptoms have gone.
• Go to A&E (by 999 ambulance if needed) for red flags such as loss of consciousness, increasing drowsiness, repeated vomiting, a seizure, severe or worsening headache, severe neck pain, confusion or unusual behaviour.
• Supervise them for 24 to 48 hours and don't leave them alone for the first 24 hours. Encourage rest and sleep and limit screens for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Tell their school and any other sports clubs.

Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS): the timelines are minimums, apply to all ages, and progress depends on symptoms. The day of injury is day 0.

Return to school comes first. Call 111 if symptoms worsen or haven't improved by 14 days, and see a GP if they last beyond 28 days. In Primary Rugby League, a child with suspected concussion must not return until medically cleared.