The Community Concussion Management Pathway (CCMP) provides a clear pathway for all players, coaches, physios, and parents to follow when a player receives a suspected concussion. We recognise that concussions are not always a visible injury and it is important we are cautious following a suspected concussion.

The CCMP provides information to the relevant stakeholders at the appropriate time points to improve concussion management at the community level. The CCMP translates evidence-based, gold-standard guidelines and tools into a smartphone and web-based application.

The NZR Community Concussion Management Pathway (run in conjunction with CSx Limited) offers a centralised concussion management tool for players.  The Pathway involves:

1) recording of baseline concussion testing
2) logging of concussion incidents
3) automated email notifications when a concussion is logged (to player, emergency contact, school/club and PU) and contains advice around management and graduated return to play
4) notification of medical clearance from doctor when player is cleared to return to contact (to player, emergency contact, school/club and PU).

New Zealand Rugby’s Community Concussion Initiative is a model centred around player welfare. The model aims to target positive behaviour changes in concussion attitudes and reporting behaviours across all individuals in the rugby community – including players, coaches, support staff, and parents.

The NZR Community Concussion Initiative is centred around player welfare using six target areas:

1. Education
2. Concussion Management Pathway
3. Blue Card
4. Injury Management
5. Concussion Policy
6. Concussion Protocols

If you have a suspected concussion you need to visit a General Practitioner (GP) for diagnosis and management so you can rest, recover and return to play or learning as safely and quickly as possible. Similarly, if you had a concussion, you must be cleared by a GP before you return to play. 

Please note:

• Concussion-related GP visits are fully subsidised.

Where can I find a GP?      

 * let reception know you're part of the NZR Concussion Pilot.

What should I do if a concussion GP is not listed in my area?

If a concussion GP is not available in your area, contact your personal GP but keep your receipts so we can reimburse your GP visit.

What should I do between my concussion and visiting a GP?

It's important to know what to look for and what to do if you think a concussion has happened. Concussion symptoms can happen right away, or up to two days after the event.

What are Concussion red flags?

If a player appears to have any of the following symptoms, they must see a doctor right away:

• Neck pain
• Increasing confusion
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
• Decreasing levels of consciousness
• Bad or worsening headache
• Unusual behaviour changes

If there are no Red Flags but you think they might be concussed, make sure they:

• See a doctor
• Are with someone responsible and don't go home alone
• Do not drink alcohol or take drugs
• Do not drive
• Rest (no exercise, thinking tasks and screens)

To give players the best chance for a full recovery, it's important to follow best practice. All concussed players should follow the Graduated Return to Learn/Work.