There's no doubt about it that rugby is a physical sport and there will be injuries. We take the well being and safety of players very seriously as does the RFU and we adhere to their protocols.

I encourage all coaches and parents to read the RFU website at:
http://www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/player-health/concussion-headcase/#

It is not just up to the coach or the referee to monitor the players but also any spectators or players that see an incident should try and signal the referee or on field coach as soon as they can. We should also have trained first aiders with every game/training - 12 new ones coming this week!

If a player is suspected of having concussion we will ask them to visit the hospital or their doctor as soon as possible. They should also have complete rest from physical and brain activities for 24 hours. I am sure your average teen is going to enjoy the excuse of physical rest but what are brain activities - this is going to be the hard part! Reading, television, computer, video games and smart phones.

We also expect you to tell your childs school so they are aware - and we expect them to tell you if it happens in a school match and if it does please let you age group manager and first aid contact know.

Please note that the minimum time before they can return to full rugby is 23 days. And they must be symptom free before starting the gradual return to play. They also need to be signed off by their GP before returning.

There is still a lot of uncertainty around concussion and a lot of research being carried out on it - if in doubt err on the side of caution because what is know is for those that are under 19 (give or take!) there can be much worse consequences if they receive a second concussion whilst still suffering the symptoms of the initial concussion.

Please do not let the school, the player or coach pressure you into letting the player play in that all important match because her/she will be all right! If you see or hear it happening please contact myself (Jonathan Burson) for the juniors, Rachel Cook for the minis or the Club Safeguarding Officer Clare Meadows and we can take it further if necessary.

And just a quick plug from me on First Aid courses - we have a few spots left on the course on November 25th.