High school rugby players' understanding of concussion and return to play guidelines

Objective: To document high school players' understanding and attitudes towards concussion return to play guidelines. Methods: A questionnaire based survey was performed of national high school rugby players as to their knowledge of existing concussion return to play guidelines. Results: A total of 600 male players were surveyed, and 477 responded (response rate 80%). Half (237/477) were aware of concussion guidelines, and 60% (288/477) identified the mandated stand down period that is part of the regulations governing rugby football. Players obtained their information primarily from: teachers/coaches (239 responses), medical personnel (200), and other players (116). Of those players who suspected that they had been concussed (296/477, 62%), only 66 returned to play after medical clearance. Conclusions and implications: This sample of high school players showed a limited knowledge of the concussion guidelines covering their sport, and even when concussed did not follow recommended protocols. This indicates the need for an increased focus on player education.