@article{Brown_2016, title={On-field identification and management of concussion in amateur rugby union}, volume={28}, url={https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajsm/article/view/1412}, DOI={10.17159/2078-516X/2016/v28i1a1412}, abstractNote={<p>Background: Rugby is a popular team sport and due to its contact<br />nature carries a relatively high potential for injury, including<br />concussion. Moreover, it is estimated that as much as 50% of<br />concussions are not reported due to a variety of reasons, including<br />not considering the injury to be sufficiently serious or not wanting<br />to miss game time.<br />Objectives: The aim of this brief review was to investigate and<br />summarise current best practice for on-field identification and<br />on-field management of concussion in amateur rugby.<br />Methods: PubMed and ClinicalKey were searched between<br />September and December 2014 for articles in the five years<br />preceding the search dates. The latest versions of the Consensus<br />Statement for Concussion in Sports and World Rugby’s concussion<br />guidelines were also consulted.<br />Results: Based on this search strategy, eight systematic reviews,<br />one physician information article and four patient guidelines<br />were investigated. Four reviews specifically described an “action<br />plan” for on-field evaluation and management. Education of key<br />stakeholders could reduce the number of unreported concussions.<br />Once identified or suspected, concussions should be managed<br />according to best practice procedures, which include removing<br />the player from play immediately and consulting a medical doctor.<br />If a medical doctor is not immediately available on the field tools<br />such as the BokSmart on-field pocket “Concussion Guide”, and<br />World Rugby’s “Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool”, are freely<br />available online.<br />Conclusion: Stakeholder education (including players, parents,<br />teachers, coaches, referees, spouses) on both the on-field<br />identification and management of concussions could reduce<br />under-reporting and improve the overall management of<br />concussed rugby players.<br />Keywords: injury prevention, injury management, head injury,<br />football</p>}, number={1}, journal={South African Journal of Sports Medicine}, author={Brown, J}, year={2016}, month={Nov.}, pages={6–10} }