RUGBYRIGHT

The new online concussion course has been designed to improve knowledge of what concussion is, help reduce risks, and what to do to keep players as safe as possible.

The course is aligned to the UK Concussion Guidelines for Non-Elite (Grassroots) Sport issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Scottish Rugby’s Concussion policy is currently in the process of being revised to consider the UK Concussion Guidelines. Scottish Rugby’s new policy will be available soon, in the meantime the following is noted:

• Player welfare is paramount.
• No player with a suspected concussion should remain on the pitch; they must be removed and not return to any physical activity for at least 24 hours.
• Everybody involved in the game has a responsibility to protect players from playing on in the event of a possible concussion.
• Players with a possible concussion should seek to have diagnosis confirmed by a healthcare professional either on site or via NHS24 on 111.
• Players who have sustained a concussion should follow a graduated return to learning/work as well as a graduated return to playing. Guidance on this can be found by visiting scottishrugby.org/concussion-hub.

• The earliest a player can return to a full-contact match is Day 21 after the concussion occurred.

RugbyRight: Tackle Height has been designed to up-skill coaches and match officials on the new Tackle Height Laws which are being trialled across the community game in Scotland for the 2023/24 season.

The module provides an overview of the laws, the need for change and some of the key areas which will be impacted by the changes, and importantly how it will be refereed.

All sports, including rugby, can be a really positive and fun experience for children. Scottish Rugby is committed to ensuring that all children feel safe, enjoy their rugby and are protected from harm.

Safeguarding in sport is not just about protecting children from others who may seek to harm them. A trusted coach or leader may be the person a child chooses to tell about something that is happening at home or outside sport. In either case, we all have a responsibility to act on concerns.

RugbyRight: Safeguarding provides coaches and match officials with important information around child protection, how to recognise and report potential abuse and best practice when working with children.