Concussion Management and Protocols

For any player that sustains a concussion, Raleigh Rugby follows USA Rugby Concussion Policy:

1. If a player shows concussion symptoms before, during, or after a match, that player must be removed from play immediately, and not return during that match. No Exceptions.
2. The player needs to be evaluated by the appropriate medical staff. The best practice would be evaluation by a medical physician with 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 (GRTP) Protocols. Not returning to contact rugby before GRTP is fully complete and symptom-free (12 days in total at a minimum).
   • 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 (19 days in total at a minimum). Not returning to contact rugby before GRTP is 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.

Raleigh Rugby will require doctor approval to return to play if a player sustains a concussion.