[sospan]

The sport of Rugby which is very high impact sport has brought in new rules regarding concussion. Now the referee has the powers and obligation to order a player off the field to be assessed.

They will check if a player is :

- Suspected Loss of Consciousness
- Ataxia (unsteady on feet)
- Disorientated or confused
- Player appears to have been "dazed, dinged or had their bell rung"
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Other symptoms or signs suggesting a suspected concussion

The players must under go a pitch side concussion assessment (PCSA)
The PSCA involves a standardised assessment of cognition (memory) using the Maddocks Questions, balance assessment by way of a 20second tandem stance balance test and a symptoms and signs assessment.

The presence of one or more symptoms, one incorrect Maddock's question, more than four errors on balance testing in 20 seconds and the presence of one or more signs constitute an Abnormal PSCA, Concussion is confirmed and the player is definitively removed from further participation in the game.

The tests were devised by a Neurologist and Dr with specific concussion expertise.

A full description is here http://www.rugbycamps.co.uk/news/31263.php

Just found a very good video on the effects of repetitive head impacts on this page http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/08/271...sions-in-rugby