What happens if my child gets a head knock or might be concussed?

England Rugby follows the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport through its HEADCASE programme and RFU Regulation 9. The rule is "If in doubt, sit them out".

On the day

• Any player showing even one sign or symptom of concussion is removed from the pitch immediately, in a match or training, and must not return to any activity that day.
• They should be assessed by an onsite healthcare professional, or you should call NHS 111 within 24 hours.
• If there are "red flags" (loss of consciousness, worsening drowsiness or confusion, seizure, repeated vomiting, severe or increasing headache, severe neck pain, new weakness, numbness or double vision), get urgent assessment at A&E, calling 999 for an ambulance if needed.
• For the first 24 hours they should not be left alone, and should rest and keep screen time low for at least the first 48 hours.

Returning to rugby (GRAS programme)

Every suspected concussion goes through the 6-stage Graduated Return to Activity and Sport programme, even if symptoms clear quickly. School comes before rugby.

So the minimum is 21 days. Anyone still having symptoms after 28 days should see their GP.