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Concussion Protocols
Implementation Program

Because traumatic brain injury is not OK.

WHY

In sports, especially contact sports, the risk of concussion and repeated head trauma is ever-present. Unfortunately, the long-term impacts of concussions are often underestimated, leading to serious health consequences for athletes. Without proper management, players are at risk of chronic neurological issues, cognitive impairments, and reduced quality of life.

Imagine a young athlete, full of potential and passion, sidelined by a concussion. The immediate symptoms are troubling enough — headaches, dizziness, confusion — but the unseen dangers are even more concerning. Each unrecognised or poorly managed concussion increases the risk of long-term damage. Parents worry, coaches feel helpless, and the players themselves may face a future of ongoing health problems. What if we could do more to protect them?

Safeguarding You’s “Concussion Protocols Implementation Program” offers a lifeline. Our program simplifies the process through a comprehensive assess, report, improve, and certify methodology. We start by evaluating your current practices against the 2024 AIS and AFL Concussion Guidelines, then provide detailed reports with actionable recommendations, guide you through targeted improvements, and critically supported by our Online / Real-time Concussion Assessment and Incident Reporting modules. 

WHAT

Organisational Governance

Online programs in a central, easy-to-use platform for clubs to manage compliance, risks, and wellbeing.

Online Concussion Assessments

Real-time assessments of Red Flags, Symptoms, Actions Taken and Next steps at the click of a QR code.

Systematic Incident Reporting

No more reliance on paper forms, email exchange and reactive phone calls to manage incidents.

HOW IT WORKS

A guided self-assessment benchmarks your club or workplace against national best-practice standards in minutes – no policy degree required.

A colour-coded risk report pinpoints high, medium, and low gaps so committees know exactly where to focus scarce volunteer hours.

The Action Management Module converts findings into fixes with auto-prioritised tasks, evidence checklists, and curated resources.

A mobile sideline test screens red flags, symptoms, cognition, and balance in real time, helping you make the right call before play resumes.

Log any event—child safety, concussion, injury, grievance—once; a secure workflow tracks actions, evidence, and comms so nothing slips through the cracks.

Incident Manager

A live dashboard rolls every task and incident into one list, ranks them by urgency, and assigns owners automatically.

Opt in for an independent review that validates your progress and issues an official Certificate of Assessment—credible proof for parents, insurers, and regulators.

Safeguarding Implementation Program Certificate

PROGRAM INCLUDES

  • Smart Self Assessment
  • Risk Report: High-Med-Low
  • Digital Library of Resources
  • Action Management Module
  • Online Concussion Assessments
  • Incident Management

PROGRAM MODULES

1. Club Governance

Club governance frameworks ensure that you prioritise player safety by implementing and enforcing rigorous concussion management policies. This includes the appointment of a dedicated Concussion Officer, regular training for all stakeholders, and the maintenance of detailed records to track compliance and ensure best practices are followed consistently.

2. Day of Injury Management

On the day of injury, appropriate protocols ensure immediate and effective management of suspected concussions. This involves removing the player from play, conducting an initial assessment using standardised tools, and providing a quiet, safe environment for further evaluation, ensuring no player returns to the game until medically cleared.

3. Return to Play Protocols

Return to play protocols are designed to prioritise the health and recovery of players. These protocols require a step-by-step, individualised approach, ensuring players are symptom-free and have received medical clearance before resuming full contact activities, thus preventing premature returns and minimising the risk of further injury.

4. Management of More Complicated Cases

For players experiencing prolonged symptoms or multiple concussions, a robust management system in essential. This includes comprehensive medical evaluations, tailored recovery plans, and ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective recovery before returning to play.

5. Reduction of Concussion and Head Impacts

Reduce the risk of concussion and head impacts by emphasising proper training techniques, enforcing the use of protective equipment, and staying up-to-date with rule changes that promote safer play. A proactive approach aims to minimise the frequency and severity of head injuries in players.

6. Comprehensive Diagnosis Techniques

Utilise comprehensive diagnosis techniques to accurately assess and manage concussions. This includes the use of tools like the SCAT6, regular medical evaluations, and incorporating input from parents and teachers to ensure a holistic understanding of the player’s condition.

7. Children and Adolescents

Recognising the unique needs of children and adolescents includes age-appropriate concussion management strategies. Ensure that young athletes are fully recovered and have returned to normal school activities before resuming sports, with continuous monitoring and communication between parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.

8. Roles and Responsibilities

Clear roles and responsibilities are defined to ensure effective implementation. From the Concussion Officer to coaches, medical staff, parents, and players, everyone has a specific role in recognising, managing, and preventing concussions, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for player safety.

Concussion Do's and Don'ts in Junior Sport

Concussions are a serious concern in junior sport, and understanding how to handle them is crucial for the safety and well-being of young athletes. This guide provides essential do’s and don’ts for clubs, coaches, parents, and players to effectively manage concussions and ensure a safe sporting environment.

Concussion Do's and Don'ts in Junior Sport