High school rugby players demonstrate limited knowledge of concussion guidelines and frequently fail to follow recommended return-to-play protocols after suspected concussions.
OBJECTIVE: To document high school players' understanding and attitudes towards concussion return to play guidelines. METHODS: A questionnaire based survey was performed of national high school rugby players as to their knowledge of existing concussion return to play guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 600 male players were surveyed, and 477 responded (response rate 80%). Half (237/477) were aware of concussion guidelines, and 60% (288/477) identified the mandated stand down period that is part of the regulations governing rugby football. Players obtained their information primarily from: teachers/coaches (239 responses), medical personnel (200), and other players (116). Of those players who suspected that they had been concussed (296/477, 62%), only 66 returned to play after medical clearance. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This sample of high school players showed a limited knowledge of the concussion guidelines covering their sport, and even when concussed did not follow recommended protocols. This indicates the need for an increased focus on player education.
Sye et al. (Wed,) studied this question.