 Always have a pocket scat card or Headcase pitchside care card (they are very similar) at matches and at training- the latest versions are attached (do you still have the pocket scats attached to bottle cages or bags?);

 Use the scat card or Headcase pitchside care card to help you recognise concussions or possible concussions (note that even if just one symptom is present then concussion must be suspected even if they pass other tests);

 Remove players with concussions or possible concussions from the field of play;

o Immediately inform the parents that:
o The player must not do any sport or exercise for two weeks;
o They must seek medical help immediately if red flags occur (see pocket scat or Headcase pitchside care card);
o The player might have to miss a day or more of school if they are still displaying symptoms;
o The player must avoid reading, TV, mobiles, computers, PlayStation etc. while having symptoms;
o The player must follow a protocol for exercise, that follows the two weeks rest period, to return to rugby with St Brendan's. This is known as the Graduated Return to play or the GRTP.

 Report the concussion to rugbysafe with the childs details.

 Coaches need to ask the parents to complete a form (see attached) to confirm that the player has followed the GRTP correctly. If a player does not follow the GRTP, they will not be allowed to return to playing rugby with St. Brendan's. You need to wait for the Rugbysafe Officers confirmation that all is in order before allowing the player back to contact training or matches. We've had cases here players have not followed the GRTP and we've had to delay the return to play.

 If you become aware that GRTP is not being followed, you should inform the parents that this will delay the return to play. You should also report this to me. The player may have to restart the GRTP from scratch, i.e. start again with 14 days complete rest. Continual refusal to follow the GRTP will mean that they will not play for St Brendan's.

 Please note that the earliest period between the concussion and playing in a match is 23 days but it is likely to take longer. It can take months or, if symptoms never go away, they unfortunately won't be able to play again.

 Be aware that there is no time limit whereby the GRTP does not need to be followed. For example, if the GRTP is not completed by the end of the season it has to be completed before the player can play again the following season.

 Attached is a suggestion for the stage 5 contact training. You should supervise the contact training at stage 5 - keeping an eye on the player and regularly asking if he feels 100%. If not, remove the player from training and advise that they need to go back and redo stage 4 after being symptom free for at least 48 hours. They should seek medical advice. I should be advised as well.

 Make sure the player has at least 48 hours rest between contact training and a match. Keep an eye on the player during his first match back - ask him if he's OK during the match. If not, remove the player from the pitch and advise that they need to go back and redo stage 5 after being symptom free for at least 48 hours. They should seek medical advice. I should be advised as well.

 If you suspect that a player may have displayed concussion symptoms elsewhere, e.g. playing football, falling off a swing etc., you must inform me as per 7. above as the player must go through the GRTP.

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