ANOTHER moment of great sporstmanship by David Pocock, as he recognises the importance of checking concussion, even for the opposition

After a huge impact and hit on New Zealand’s Liam Squire, the Australian No.8 pulled referee Wayne Barnes to one side to tell him that “he was out”, clearly worried that Squire may be concussed. Barnes immediately stopped play, following Pocock’s intervention, to make sure that Squire was ok to continue playing. This follows on from last weeks’ match, when the talismanic Wallaby helped another Kiwi in need.

What causes a concussion? What causes a concussion?

Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body which causes a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion.

Recognising concussion – Recognise the symptoms and signs of concussion
A player does not need to be knocked out (lose consciousness) to have had a concussion.

Thinking problems the player may experience:

• Does not know time, date, place, period of game, opposing team, or the score in the game – use the Pocket SCAT3 (PDF 128KB) questions to help you
• General confusion
• Cannot remember things that happened before and/or after the injury
• Seems slow to answer questions or follow directions
• Seems easily distracted
• Not playing as well as expected
• A blank stare/glassy eyed, “the lights are on but nobody’s home”

Things the player may complain of or you see:

• Knocked out
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feel dazed, “dinged” or stunned
• Loss of vision, seeing double or blurred, seeing stars or flashing lights
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleepiness
• Stomach ache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Poor coordination or balance, staggering around or unsteady on feet
• Slurred speech
• Poor concentration
• Strange or inappropriate emotions (i.e. laughing, crying, getting angry easily)
• Feeling generally unwell

For more information about headcase, see https://www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/player-health/concussion-headcase/