When can a player return to training and matches after a concussion?

The Hockey Australia Concussion Policy (effective 1 January 2024) requires a graded return: a brief period of relative rest, then a symptom-limited increase in physical and cognitive activity, then a graded return to full activity with monitoring, based on a medical professional's advice. If symptoms return at any step, the player goes back to the previous stage until symptoms have resolved.

For a player removed because of the more serious signs (loss of consciousness, a dazed or vacant stare, confusion, memory impairment, motor incoordination, seizure, atypical behaviour or no protective action in falling):

• No training before 14 days from the date of the suspected concussion, and only if free of symptoms at rest.
• No playing before 21 days from the date of the suspected concussion.
• Both unless cleared in writing by a specialist concussion doctor such as a neurologist, neurosurgeon or sport and exercise physician.

The policy's schedule says full return to play should not occur before day 21 at the earliest, and only if the player has had no symptoms at rest in the 14 days after returning to full training. Children and adolescents may need more time, and the policy recommends a more conservative approach for anyone under 18. A player with a history of multiple concussions should have a medical clearance before restarting any physical activity.