NEWS

In Attachment E of the Rule Book 2017 is the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool as follows Recognise and Remove Concussion should be suspected if one or more of the following visible clues, signs, symptoms or errors in memory questions are present. Visible clues of suspected concussion Any one or more of the following visual clues can indicate a possible concussion: Loss of consciousness or responsiveness Lying motionless on ground / slow to get up Unsteady on feet / balance problems or falling over / Incoordination Grabbing / Clutching of Head Dazed, blank or vacant look Confused / Not aware of plays or events Signs and Symptom of suspected concussion Presence of any one or more of the following signs & symptoms may suggest a concussion Loss of consciousness Headache Seizure or convulsion Dizziness Balance Problems Confusion Nausea or vomiting Feeling slowed down Drowsiness "Pressure in Head" More Emotional Blurred vision Irritability Sensitivity to light Sadness Amnesia Fatigue or low energy Feeling like "in a fog" Nervous or anxious Neck pain "Don't feel right" Sensitivity to noise Difficulty remembering Difficulty concentrating Memory Function Failure to answer any of these questions correctly may suggest a concussion: "What venue are we at today?" " What half is it now?" "Who scored last in the game?" " What team did you play last week/game? " " Did you team win the last game?" Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY, and should not be returned to activity until they are assessed medically. Athletes with a suspected concussion should not be left alone and should not drive a motor vehicle. It is recommended that, in all cases of suspected concussion, the players referred to a medical professional for diagnosis and guidance as well as return to play decision, even is symptoms resolve. RED FLAGS If any of the following are reported then the player should be safely and immediately removed from the field. If no qualified medical professional is available, cconsider transporting by ambulance for urgent medical assessment: Athlete complains of neck pain Deteriorating conscious state Increasing confusion or irritability Severe or increasing headache Repeated vomiting Unusual behaviour change Seizure or convulsion Double vision Weakness or tingling / burning in arms or legs Remember in all cases, the basic principles of first aid (danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation) should be followed Do not attempt to move the player (other than required for airway support) unless trained to so do. Do not remove helmet (if present) unless trained to do s o.