Any player with a suspected head injury must be monitored both on and off the field; the player should not leave the ground without being provided with head injury advice.

Head injury advice – adults

If the player has sustained a head injury but no serious complications have been found, they are able to return home. However, monitoring of symptoms must continue.

Points to be followed:

• Rest (physically and mentally) includes both training and playing sports – this must be avoided until all symptoms are resolved and you are medically cleared

• No alcohol consumption

• No prescription or non-prescription drugs to be taken without medical supervision – in particular sleeping tablets, anti-inflammatory medication or sedating painkillers must be avoided

• Do not drive until medically cleared

If any changes in behaviour or worsening of symptoms are observed, such as vomiting, dizziness, worsening headache, double vision or excessive drowsiness, please contact your medical team or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Head injury advice – children and adolescents

In the event that a child/adolescent player has sustained a head injury but has been assessed and is considered well enough to return home, they must continue to be monitored for symptoms. If any of the following symptoms do return, please visit your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

What to look out for:

• Difficulty waking your child should your child look lethargic or unwell

• Double vision

• Worsening headache

• Vomiting

• Unconsciousness – lack of full consciousness

• Confusion

• Loss of balance or weakness in arms and legs

Your child might continue to experience some predictable symptoms two to three days after head injury, such as a mild headache, mild nausea or slightly increased fatigue.

However, if you are concerned about any of these symptoms, you should take your child to their GP or A&E.

To aid your child’s recovery, they should follow a specific graded return for children.