IMPORTANT MEMORANDUM

To: ALL PLAYERS, PARENTS/GUARDIANS, COACHES & FRIENDS OF TRINITY RUGBY

Re: CONCUSSION and its MANAGEMENT

There have been a lot of recent studies and analysis of the short and long term affects of concussion. As a Club, we take very seriously the well being of our players and are committed to following the IRFU Protocols set out in:

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/28045.php#.VEoeCkvT5BU

This memo serves to bring to the attention of players and parents both the fact that CONCUSSION MUST BE TAKEN EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY and the RESPONSIBILITY IS A SHARED ONE between coaches, players, parents/guardians and Club management.

Why must concussion be taken extremely seriously?

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of concussion may result in death, a more serious brain injury or a prolonged recovery period.

  • The potential for serious and prolonged injury emphasises the need for comprehensive medical assessment and follow-up until the concussion has fully resolved.
  • Returning to play before complete resolution of the concussion exposes the player to recurrent concussions that might take place with ever decreasing forces.
  • Repeat concussions could shorten a player’s career and may have some potential to result in permanent neurological (brain) impairment.
  • There is no such thing as a minor concussion or ‘knock to the head’.

The signs and symptoms of concussion (see above link) usually start at the time of the injury but the onset of these may be delayed for up to 24-48 hours. Parents/guardians, family members and friends should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussed player. If a player has ANY ONE of the signs and symptoms they must be immediately removed from activity and must not return until they have completed the 21 day graduated return (GRTP) protocol set out in the above IRFU guidelines.

Fellow PLAYERS/ COACHES/ PARENTS: YOUR responsibility:

  • You MUST familiarize yourself with the website content in the links above.
  • You MUST do your best to ensure that the player is removed from play in a safe manner  if you observe them displaying any of the visible clues or signs or symptoms of a suspected concussion.
  • You MUST NOT allow a player to play rugby until they have completed the graduated return to play (GRTP) protocol if they are displaying signs or symptoms of a suspected concussion sustained while playing rugby or another sport.
  • You MUST ensure that the player is in the care of a responsible adult and inform them of the player’s suspected concussion.

Player: YOUR responsibility:

  • If you have symptoms of a suspected concussion you must STOP playing and INFORM medical and/or coaching staff immediately.
  • Be honest with yourself and those looking after you.
  • If you have symptoms of a suspected concussion sustained while playing rugby or another sport, you MUST NOT play rugby until you have completed the graduated return to play (GRTP) protocol.

WE WOULD ASK ALL INVOLVED TO FAMILIARISE YOURSELVES WITH THE IRFU GUIDELINES SO WE CAN MEET OUR VARIOUS RESPONSIBILITIES SET OUT ABOVE.

Thanking you for your co-operation and support.

John Boyd

Chairman