What do I do when I suspect a concussion during a match?

WA Football's priorities are: recognise a suspected concussion, remove the player from the game, and refer them to a medical doctor. A player with a concussion or suspected concussion must be medically assessed as soon as possible and must NOT return to play in the same game or practice session. "If in doubt, sit them out."

Management guidelines from the handbook:

1. Assess for symptoms or signs (stunned, confusion, memory problems, balance problems, headache, dizziness, "not feeling right").
2. Apply the first aid protocol, including cervical spine immobilisation.
3. Remove the player from the ground and assess using the pocket Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT).
4. Check for factors needing urgent hospital referral (confusion, vomiting, worsening headache). If any: call an ambulance and refer to hospital. If none: do not allow a return to play and refer to a medical doctor.

You must make sure the player does not return and knows the WA Football Concussion Policy. The Headcheck Concussion App can help trainers, coaches and parents recognise symptoms and judge whether a head injury needs an ambulance, hospital or a GP.