HEADCASE
The RFU’s HEADCASE programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions. It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources.
Following the publication of the Government’s UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport, the HEADCASE resources have been given a new look and updated to align with these guidelines.
Please take the time to read and look through with the new HEADCASE resources to become familiar with the new concussion guidance.
1. HEADCASE Guidance
The HEADCASE Essential Guide is the go to document for the key points and important information about how to identify and manage suspected concussions.
The HEADCASE Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme document provides a step by step guide on the NEW return to play programme. This is now a minimum of 21 days for ALL community rugby players and includes a phased approach across 6 stages.
The HEADCASE Extended Guidelines provides more detailed information and answer specific questions you may have on concussion management, manage suspected concussions and how to potentially reduce the risk of concussion.
2. HEADCASE e-Learning
Launched in April 2024, there are now six different versions of the HEADCASE eLearning module based on your primary role in rugby union.
Coaches of Adult Players
Adult Players
Coaches and Teachers of Age Grade Players
Parents and Guardians of Age Grade Players
Age Grade Players (U13 – U18)
Match Officials
Each module covers what concussion is, how it looks and how it feels. The modules look at concussion prevention strategies, best practice concussion management and why it is important that this is followed.
By the end of the module, you will have a better understanding of concussion and how YOU have a vital role to play in protecting player welfare.
All versions of the HEADCASE eLearning module were published in April 2024 and are aligned with the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport (published by the UK Government April 2023).
Although developed for rugby union, the information can be applied to concussions occurring in any sport and non-sporting environment
3. HEADCASE Resources
The HEADCASE Poster is a downloadable poster that can be sent electronically and/or printed, and put up on club notice boards, in changing rooms etc.
The HEADCASE Pitch Side Card is a downloadable leaflet that can be sent electronically and/or printed, put up on club notice boards, given out to parents etc.
The ‘Latest Concussion in Rugby Research’ provides a game wide perspective on match incidence, severity and burden of match concussions across multiple levels of rugby union in England.
4. Concussion Recognition Tools
The CRT 6 (Concussion Recognition Tool) can be used by anyone (i.e. non Health Care Professionals) for the identification and immediate management of a suspected concussion. It is not designed to diagnose concussion.
The SCAT6 Child (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) is a standardised tool for evaluating concussions designed for use by appropriately trained Health Care Professionals (HCPs). The SCAT6 Child is used for evaluating athletes aged 8 – 12 years old.
The SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) is a standardised tool for evaluating concussions designed for use by appropriately trained Health Care Professionals (HCPs). The SCAT6 is used for evaluating athletes aged 13 years and older.
Both SCAT6 versions cannot be performed correctly in less than 10-15 minutes. Except for the symptoms scale, the SCAT6 is intended to be used in the acute phase, ideally within 72 hours (3 days), and up to 7 days, following injury.
Download CRT 6 (Everyone) .PDF
5. UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport
The Government’s UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport are a standardised approach to recognising and managing the return to daily life, school/work and rugby/sport folowing a concussion.
The RFU was involved in developing the guidelines and they aim to deliver on the government’s commitment to establish a single set of shared, UK-wide grassroots concussion guidelines for the recognition, immediate management of concussion followed by the gradual return to activity (education/work) and, ultimately, sport.
6. Other Information & Resources
World Rugby Concussion Policies and Education:
Laws
Regulations relating to concussion
Guidance and Education
NHS:
