RTP ROLE FOR DOCTORS

It is strongly recommended the doctor experienced in the management of head injuries in sport make the ultimate decision to medically clear or “sign off ” a player to return to sport.

This decision should not be taken lightly or under pressure from the player, parents, coach or team but on the basis of fulfilling objective criteria so that the players well-being is the ultimate consideration.

Clearance should only be given if all symptoms have resolved and physical, neurological, balance and cognitive parameters have returned to normal.

Clear documentation of this decision making should also be made, and an online database is available for this purpose.

The NRL Head Injury Pro forma should also be completed for community level rugby league

Trainers should express their concerns to team coaching and management staff regarding a player’s recovery from a concussion if they believe he/she still has symptoms, even if a doctor has signed off on a concussion, as they may know the player better.