Concussion Policy
Protecting the health and safety of all players—recognising, responding to, and managing concussion correctly.
Concussion can occur in hockey through contact with the ball, stick, surface or another player.
At Redditch Hockey Club, we follow recognised guidance to ensure players are removed from play, receive appropriate medical assessment, and return only when safe to do so.
This page summarises the “recognise, remove, recover, return” approach. Please read the full policy document for detailed procedures.
4Rs framework
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of concussion
- Remove the player immediately from training or match play
- Recover with appropriate medical advice and rest
- Return only when cleared through the graduated return-to-play protocol
Signs & Symptoms
Common signs others may notice:
- Loss of consciousness (even brief)
- Unsteady on feet / balance problems
- Dazed, confused, slow to respond
- Vomiting or seizure
Symptoms a player may report:
- Headache or “pressure in head”
- Dizziness, blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light/noise
- Feeling sluggish, foggy, or “not right”
What to do
Stop play, remove the player, monitor symptoms, inform Welfare Officer/parents, complete incident form.
Report any head impact, do not hide symptoms, follow medical advice strictly.
Ensure medical review, supervise rest, support gradual return-to-learn and return-to-play.
Support removal from play, record in match report if appropriate.
Minimum rest period (e.g. 21 days under 19, 7–14 days adults depending on medical clearance), stepwise reintroduction of activity, sign-off required.
