Medical Resources

RUGBY MONTANA MEDICAL POLICY

DYLAN STEIGER’S CONCUSSION PROJECT

STATE OF MONTANA HB-0487 – (DYLAN STEIGER’S PROTECTION OF YOUTH ATHLETES ACT) 

USA RUGBY CONCUSSION POLICY 

SCAT 3 CONCUSSION PROTOCOL

INJURY INCIDENT REPORT

WORLD RUGBY – GRADUATED RETURN TO PLAY

VOLUNTARY HEADS UP – CDC CONCUSSION TRAINING FOR PARENTS

POCKET CONCUSSION RECOGNITION TOOL

OFFICIAL USA RUGBY CONCUSSION POLICY

  1. If a player shows symptoms of concussion before, during or after a match, that player must be removed from play immediately, not to return during that match. No Exceptions.
  2. The player needs to be evaluated by appropriate medical staff. Best practice would be evaluation by a medical physician who has training in concussion evaluation and management. A player must do this before returning to play rugby in any form.
  3. If a concussion is diagnosed, that player must sit out of activity with full rest for the minimum guidelines listed below: Adults – 1 week (seven full days) AND be symptom free before beginning the 5 day Graduated Return to Play Protocols. Not returning to contact rugby before GRTP fully complete and symptom free.
    Youth and HS players (18 and under) – 2 weeks (14 full days) AND be symptom free before beginning the 5 day Graduated Return to Play Protocols. Not returning to contact rugby before GRTP fully complete and symptom free.
  4. Once a player is cleared by a physician, they should be closely monitored for any lingering symptoms by coaches, parents, teammates and medical staff and be removed from play immediately if symptoms occur.

KNOW THE 5 RS

USA Rugby’s policy requires that ALL rugby players, staff, parents, referees, volunteers, and even fans follow these five basic steps when dealing with suspected concussions:

  1. Recognize – Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion so you understand when an athlete might have a suspected concussion.
  2. Remove – If an athlete has a concussion or even a suspected concussion he or she must be removed from play immediately.
  3. Refer – Once removed from play, the player should be referred immediately to a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and treating concussions.
  4. Recover – Full recovery from the concussion is required before return to play is authorized. This includes being symptom-free. Rest and some specific treatment options are critical for the health of the injured participant.
  5. Return – In order for safe return to play in rugby, the athlete must be symptom-free and cleared in writing by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and treating concussions. (NOTE: Rugby Montana requires that the athlete complete the GRTP (Graduated Return to Play) protocol.