Updated UK Concussion Guidelines published underlining the message ‘If in doubt, sit them out’

Today, the Sport and Recreation Alliance is publishing an updated version of the UK Concussion Guidelines for Non-Elite (Grassroots) Sport.

First published in April 2023, the UK-wide guidelines, ‘If in doubt, sit them out’, help provide people with the information necessary to:

• Recognise the signs of concussion;
• Remove anyone suspected of being concussed immediately and;
• Return safely to daily activity, education/work and, ultimately, sport.

Overall, the guidelines remind everyone of the simple message ‘If in doubt, sit them out’.

Since the initial launch, the Expert Drafting Group of clinicians and medical experts which authored the guidelines has reviewed them in light of feedback received as well as the most recent Concussion in Sport Group 6^th Consensus Statement.

Following this review, it has been agreed that no substantial amendments to the guidelines are required at this time. However, two specific updates are included in the latest version published today:

• Clarification that the guidelines apply to all grassroots sports participants, including disabled people. In support of this, we are also publishing an accessible version of the guidelines to ensure the guidelines can be accessed by as many people as possible.
• Inclusion of some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help clarify and aid understanding of the graduated return to activity and sport process.

The guidelines remain clear that anybody suspected of a having a concussion should be immediately removed from play. A graduated return to daily activity, school, work and ultimately sport is recommended to reduce the risks of slow recovery, further brain injury and longer-term problems.

Since the initial publication, many sports bodies have adopted the guidelines and provided bespoke guidance and resources to support grassroots clubs, participants and volunteers.

An accessible version of the guidelines is available to view here.

Lisa Wainwright MBE, CEO of The Sport and Recreation Alliance, said:

“We know that sport and recreation brings many benefits in terms of improving people’s health and wellbeing. But concussion is a serious issue and today’s publication of the updated guidelines is an important opportunity to reiterate the key message for everyone taking part in grassroots sport, be it in a sports club or at school: if in doubt, sit them out.

“The Sport and Recreation Alliance is proud to have coordinated the development of these landmark guidelines to ensure that there is a consistent approach across the UK to identifying and managing concussion in sport.

“We realise the importance of accessibility and we are pleased to publish an accessible version to make sure these guidelines reach as many people as possible.

We remain committed to keeping the guidelines under review and to working with our members, Government and colleagues from across the Home Nations to raise awareness of concussion and how to manage it.”

Professor James Calder, Chair of the UK Concussion Guidelines Expert Drafting Group, said:

“By undertaking this review we are underlining our commitment to ensuring the UK Concussion Guidelines are informed by the most up-to-date medical knowledge.

“Following review, we are content that no substantial changes are required at this stage. However, these updated guidelines now include FAQs which should help aid understanding of the process to be followed in order to ensure a safe return to work, education and, ultimately, sport.

“Participating in sport is crucial for people’s physical and mental health. With appropriate management, the vast majority of those who sustain a concussion should make a full recovery.”

Dr Nigel Jones, Chief Medical Officer for British Cycling said:

“British Cycling was pleased to see the publication of the UK Concussion Guidelines last year and we ourselves have published cycling-specific guidance providing information on the common symptoms of concussion, the vital role of coaches, parents and riders, and advice on returning to cycling activity. We have also developed an online learning course which has seen significant engagement from our community. The FAQs provided are used regularly and are helpful in bringing the guidelines to life.

 “We remain committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of members and participants and look forward to continuing to work closely with other sports to ensure a consistent approach to this important area.”

Heather Douglas, Head of Coaching and Policy of UK Coaching said:

“We welcome the updated guidance issued today by the Sport and Recreation Alliance on the UK Concussion Guidelines for Non-Elite (Grassroots) Sport. A year after the launch of ‘If in doubt, sit them out’, this guidance remains crucial.

"UK Coaching has actively developed resources to support coaches and the coaching workforce on the topic of concussion. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen over 9,500 downloads of our concussion resources, including our Duty to Care, Safe to Practice Guide, and over 100 coaches have completed our Concussion Awareness Course.

"It is essential that we continue to take concussion in sport and physical activity seriously, offering comprehensive support to those leading these activities to mitigate risks. UK Coaching’s position has always aligned with the call-to-action of ‘if in doubt, sit them out’, firmly believing that safety and well-being must be the top priority in any sport or physical activity environment. Our responsibility to the three million coaches across the UK, and the many more involved in sport and physical activity, is to deliver clear and accessible support. This ensures everyone feels confident, comfortable, and competent regarding safety and welfare. Education and improvement start with coaches – those who know their participants and activities best are the ones most capable of implementing excellent practices for safety and well-being.”

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