Finishing up

Safely returning to contact training

Post assessment

Does your patient fulfill the following?

Player readiness

New Zealand Rugby views it as very important that regardless of the results of your assessment that you are confident that the player is ready to return to contact training. If you are not then be cautious, we all view this matter as too important to take risks.

This clearance is to return to contact training. The player should be advised to not play and seek further medical advice if they develop problems with the full contact training.

If you are not happy with the player's assessment today please provide further advice to them but do not sign the medical clearance

Please instruct the player to bring the receipt for this consultation back to their rugby union's office.

Things you might consider as advice to the player:

  • Recommending more rest
  • A slower progression through the GRTP programme
  • A review by you at some stage in the future to review the medical clearance decision
  • Referral to concussion clinic for further assessment
  • Referral to medical colleague with expertise in this area

Further reading

Rest and Graduated Return to Play - a short summary of the NZR Rest, Recovery, Return to play process.