Policy No JT1008 - Head Knock Policy
The health and well-being of our players is the primary focus of Jimboomba Thunder Junior
Rugby League Club (JTJRLC). Consistency in the detection and management of possible
head injuries, or head knocks by first aid officer's or coaching staff is expected by the
committee. (JTJRLC) will implement a graduated return to play policy working with the
player, parents, treating doctor, coaching staff, first aid officer from the team and first aid
coordinator. (JTJRLC) requires the use of the NRL head injury policy forms provided to all
first aid officers. Under no circumstances should the player with a suspected head injury or
head knock be allowed to continue playing or return to play during the same game. This will
eliminate any potential “second hit syndrome”.
DESCRIPTION
A head injury is any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain. The injury may be only a minor
bump on the skull or a serious brain injury.
(JTJRLC) coaching staff or FAO’s will treat all head clashes as possible head injuries or
head knocks. If during training or completion players display any of the following signs
immediate first assistance is required.
An injury to the head should also take into account possible spinal injury when providing
first aid. Concussion should be suspected if these signs are observed:
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Unresponsiveness
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Upper limb muscle rigidity
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Upper limb spontaneous movement
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A fit / seizure soon after contacting the surface
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Balance difficulty
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Slow responses
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Vacant stare
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Confusion
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Disorientation
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Holding the head
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Facial injury
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Speech slurring
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Minutes to hours after the impact injury the player may complain of:
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Headache
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Nausea / Vomiting
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Blurred vision
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Memory loss / difficulty
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Dizziness
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Tiredness
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Not feeling right
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Sensitive to bright light & loud noise
PROCEDURES:
▪
Immediate first aid assistance is to be requested either from the duty FAO or team
FAO;
•
The following list of questions are to be used to assess the wellness of the player
◦
“I am going to ask you a few questions, please listen carefully and give your best
effort”
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What Ground are we at today?
◦
Which half is it now?
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Who scored last in this game?
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What team did you play last week?
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Did your team win the last game?
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Incorrect response indicates that the player should be removed from the field.
•
Once removed from the field of play due to a suspected head injury or head knock
the player cannot return to this game;
•
Depending of the identified symptoms immediate medical treatment may be
required, 000 should be contacted for urgent assistance;
•
NRL head injury forms need to be completed and transported with the player to
hospital or other medical treatment provider;
•
(JTJRLC) will implement a graduated return to play plan as outlined below; (this plan
is the minimum standard and may change depending on medical reports and assessment
of the first co-ordinator.);
◦
Injured player is not to participate in training or competitive play for one week;
◦
A medical certificate is required stating that the player is fit to play rugby league;
◦
Coaching staff and the first aid co-ordinator will discuss with parents returning to light
training for one week (minimum);
◦
If assessed as ready for full training then return on the second week;
◦
The third week will see the player return to competition if ready.(minimum)
•
A recommendation that the player upon returning to play to use head gear to provide
extra risk reduction for future head knocks or injuries.
•
As all injuries are different so will the return to training and competition. The first aid
co-ordinator will make the final decision on returning to training and competition. More than
one certificate may be requested if concerns remain for the player health and well-being.
•
All medical certificates need to clearly state that the player is fit to play rugby league.
•
If during a season an individual player receives a second head knock the graduated
return to play may be extended and head gear be requested as a mandatory piece of safety
equipment.
•
Any player who receives a third head knock will require a specialist letter stating they
are fit to play Rugby League. (JTJRLC) has a duty of care to its players to reduce risk of
serious injury and long term health issues.
NRL head injury forms will form part of this policy and will be used in collaboration with the
first aid injury reports provided to all first aid officers. Coaching staff at away games need to
request a report from the duty FAO. These forms are to be given to the first aid coordinator at the earliest opportunity. This policy has been implemented to reduce risk for
players and officials. If reports are not provided at away games managers need to advise
the club urgently of the injury.