Concussion
It is important for referees to note that suspected concussion situations should be dealt with as heretofore, particularly when no medical practitioner and/or healthcare person is present.
- If a referee is concerned that a player is suffering from concussion, he should err on the side of caution and require that player to leave the field and not resume playing in the match. This is covered in the Laws of the Game, Law 3.9. Essentially, this is what currently happens.
- While referees will see a reference to Pocket Scat2 in the iRB Guidelines, it is important to clarify that it is not necessary to attempt to use this to assist in the identification of suspected concussion.
Referees should usefully acquaint themselves with the concussion symptoms as listed in the iRB Guidelines
Law 3.9 - The Referee & Injured Players
LAW 3.9 THE REFEREE'S POWER TO STOP AN INJURED PLAYER FROM CONTINUING
If the referee decides - with or without the advice of a doctor or other medically qualified person - that a player is so injured that the player should stop playing, the referee may order that player to leave the playing area.
The referee may also order an injured player to leave the field in order to be medically examined.
IRB Guidlines on Concussion
Download the IRB Guidlines here.
Safety Guidelines Video
IRFU Safety Guidelines - Dealing with injuries duing the game
