NSFA HEAD INJURY & CONCUSSION GUIDELINES
For Club Officials, Coaches, Team Managers & Referees.
Aligned with Football NSW and Football Australia Guidelines
Football Australia Community Sports Concussion Guidelines
Signs and Symptoms – Quick Reference Guide
What to do – Quick Reference Guide
Return to Play – Children and Adolescent Graded
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT
Due to increasing awareness of head knocks and concussion in sport, it’s important for everyone to follow a consistent approach when managing potential head injuries.
This information sheet outlines the standard procedures for NSFA Clubs and Referees to follow if a player receives a knock to the head during a game or training session.
COACH, MANAGER & CLUB GUIDELINES
1. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Stop participation immediately if a player is suspected of having sustained a head knock.
- Do not allow the player to return to the field or resume training on the same day under any circumstances.
- Notify the parent/guardian (for junior players) immediately and advise medical review.
2. FOLLOW UP ACTION
- Recommend the player see a qualified medical professional for assessment.
- Do not permit the player to return to training or games until:
- Medical clearance has been received.
- The Football Australia Return to Play protocol has been followed.
- The club has submitted relevant documentation to NSFA where required.
Football Australia requires a minimum 14-day stand down for confirmed concussion cases.
REFEREE GUIDELINES
1. ON-FIELD RESPONSIBILITY
- If a player sustains a head knock, stop play immediately
- If symptoms of concussion are observed (confusion, unsteadiness, disorientation), the player must be advised to be removed from play and not return
- Use the match report to record the incident clearly, including time of injury and any action taken.
- Play should resume with an uncontested drop ball to the team last in possession. If the ball was inside the penalty area, the ball is dropped to the defending team’s goalkeeper in their penalty area.
2. SUPPORT CLUB OFFICIALS
- Cooperate with coaches and team managers in ensuring the player’s safety.
- Do not override decisions to remove a player for safety reasons.
COMMON SIGNS OF CONCUSSION
Whether immediate or delayed, these may include:
- Headache, dizziness, blurred vision.
- Confusion, memory loss, balance problems.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to noise or light.
- Unusual behaviour, drowsiness, slurred speech.
RETURN TO PLAY – WHAT MUST HAPPEN
The Football Australia Graduated Return to Play protocol involves the following:
- Initial 24-48 hours rest.
- Light aerobic activity (only when symptom free).
- Non-contact training.
- Full-contact training (with medical clearance).
- return to match play.
No player is to resume matches or training without medical clearance.
Clubs must retain documentation for compliance and auditing purposes.
CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure all Coaches and Team Managers are trained and aware of these procedures
- Enforce stand-down periods and clearance processes
- Notify the NSFA of any serious injury via the appropriate incident reporting channels
REFEREE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prioritise player safety
- Record head injury incidents accurately in match reports
- Support club officials in decision-making around removal of players