758 BO08 – What is the proportion of non-reporting of sport-related concussion (SRC) in community rugby league players, and the reasons why?

Background Non-reporting of sport related concussion (SRC) has been found in professional rugby league. Community rugby league (RL) has more participants, yet no data exists on non-reporting of SRC symptoms. The reporting of symptoms is fundamental for concussion diagnosis; thus non-reporting of concussive symptoms is a potential player welfare concern. Objective Quantify rates and factors associated with SRC non-reporting in community RL. Design Cross-sectional online anonymised survey. Setting Community RL in England. Participants 484 (≥18-yrs) and 965 (parents of <18-yrs) community RL players. Assessment of Risk Factors Independent variables: age, playing history, professional experience and playing position. Main Outcome Measurements Dependant variables: concussion history, prevalence and reasons for non-reporting SRC, SRC knowledge, reported pressures and long-term implications of SRC. Results Thirty-five percent of players ≥18-yrs, and 22% of parents (on behalf of players <18-yrs) reported at least one concussion in the last two seasons. Forty-three percent of ≥18-yrs and 5% of parents stated they didn't report SRC symptoms across two seasons. The two most common reasons were 'didn't want to be ruled out of a match' and 'didn't want to let down team'. Players ≥18-yrs who received external coaching pressures around SRC were more likely to not report a SRC. Over 40% of parents and players were concerned about the potential long-term implications from SRC. Ten percent of players ≥18-yrs and 7% of parents of players <18-yrs, would encourage their family members/children to not play RL. Conclusions Non-reporting rates of SRC in adult community RL players were twice as high as professional levels, due to similar reasons (wanting to play, and not let the team down). All stakeholders should support players to put their brain health before the team, and broaden education on SRC and brain health should be a priority.