BC Rugby’s number one priority is player safety. We adhere to World Rugby’s policy of ‘Recognise and Remove’ when dealing with concussions or suspected concussions. Any player suspected or suffering from concussion should be immediately removed from the training session or match, and not permitted to return until they have completed a full Return to Play Protocol and cleared by a physician.

If in doubt, sit them out.

During a Rugby game, the Match Official has absolute authority to remove a player if they suspect the player is suffering from concussion. However, this is a failsafe protocol, as the responsibility lies with the Coach of that player to act in the player’s best interests and remove them from the field.

But how do you recognize concussion? What are the signs?

If any of the following signs or symptoms are present following an injury the player should be suspected of having a concussion and immediately removed from play or training.

Any one or more of the following visual clues indicate a concussion:

• Dazed, blank or vacant look
• Lying motionless on ground/slow to get up
• Unsteady on feet/balance problems or falling over/incoordination
• Loss of consciousness or responsiveness
• Confused/not aware of plays or events
• Grabbing/clutching of head
• Seizure (fits)
• More emotional/irritable than normal for that person

Presence of any one or more of the following signs and symptoms may suggest a concussion:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mental clouding, confusion or feeling slowed down
• Visual problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness/feeling like ‘in a fog’/difficultly concentrating
• ‘Pressure in head’
• Sensitivity to light or noise