Recognise and respond to concussion
Know when to stop, how to recognise a possible concussion and when to get medical help. ACC's guide covers the urgent warning signs and a return to sport led by a health professional.
Injury & recovery
If you see warning signs
Loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, a seizure, unusual drowsiness or confusion after a knock to the head need urgent medical help. Call 111.
Concussion is not only a rugby problem. It happens in water polo, off the boards in diving, in collisions in a crowded lane and from slips on a wet pool deck. The rule is the same everywhere: if you suspect it, stop.
ACC's guide sets out what to look for, what to do in the first minutes and hours, and how a return to activity should be managed.
What to expect
A clear action guide with a link to the national concussion guidelines. It is free and public. We link to ACC's page rather than repeating the steps, so you always see the current version.
Good to know
Coming back is a decision for a health professional. It is not a date on a calendar, and it is not a coach's call. Feeling fine is not the same as being cleared.