Know what to do. Know who to call.
Think you or a teammate has a concussion? This page covers what to do straight away, when to get medical help, how to return to sport safely, and where to find trusted support in Australia.
01 On the field
You don't need to be sure. If something seems wrong after a knock to the head or body, act as though it is a concussion.
Signs can include headache, dizziness, confusion, memory or balance problems, nausea, blurred vision and sensitivity to light or noise. Symptoms may appear straight away or develop over hours or days, and a concussion can happen without being knocked out.
Look out for the signs above, including subtle changes like confusion, unusual behaviour or loss of balance.
Stop playing straight away. Anyone with a suspected concussion should be removed from play.
No return to the game or training until a medical practitioner has cleared you.
Every suspected concussion should be assessed by a doctor. Take someone with you if you can.
Take it easy for the first 24–48 hours before starting any light activity.
If in doubt, sit them out! Australian Institute of Sport
02 Medical help
If any of these happen after a head injury:
Don't move someone who may have a neck injury unless trained people say it is safe.
Book in with a GP or sports doctor:
Free health advice from a registered nurse, 24/7. In Victoria, calls go to NURSE-ON-CALL.
03 Recovery
Your brain needs time to recover. Healthdirect recommends:
The return-to-sport timeline · Community & youth sport
Recognise and remove. Stop playing and get assessed. No return on the same day.
Relative rest. Take it easy before starting light activity.
Build up gradually. Each stage lasts at least 24 hours. Only move to the next stage if your symptoms have returned to normal.
Medical review. See your doctor to check how your recovery is going.
Symptom-free for at least 14 days before full contact training, and only once a healthcare practitioner has cleared you.
Earliest return to competition. Not before day 21 after the concussion.
These are the minimum timeframes in the Australian Institute of Sport's framework for community and youth sport. Your recovery may take longer, and your sport may have its own rules. If symptoms come back, stop and talk to your doctor.
04 Everyone's role
Concussion is often spotted by someone else first. Knowing what to look for, and speaking up, can protect a player's health.
05 Talk to someone
Recovery can be frustrating. Time away from sport, school and your team can affect how you feel. You don't have to deal with it alone.
For an ambulance if someone is confused, unconscious or showing any danger signs after a head injury.
Talk to a registered nurse about symptoms and where to get care, any time of day.
A free app from the AFL, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Royal Children's Hospital to help recognise and manage concussion.
Free, confidential phone and online counselling for young people.
Mental health support for young people, in person at headspace centres or online and by phone through eheadspace.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, Lifeline is there to talk any time.
06 Trusted resources
External websites · open in a new tab
Your sport's concussion policy
This page summarises guidance from Healthdirect, the Australian Institute of Sport and Sports Medicine Australia. It is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Always follow the advice of your own doctor.
Speaking up isn't weakness. Recovering properly is how you stay in the game for the long run.