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Tue, Apr

We have been asked by the RFU to remind all referees of the correct protocols regarding suspected cases of concussion during matches. 

As detailed in the RFU Headcase guidance you should understand and implement the 4 R's - RECOGNISE, REMOVE, RECOVER, RETURN

If you feel the need to remove a player from the field due to suspected concussion then please note that they can take no further part in the game and should be referred to a medical practitioner. 

Head Injury Assessments (where a player can be assessed and cleared to return) only apply to the top tiers and not to Levels 5 or below. There are no HIA's at our levels of the game 

If you ask for a player to be removed due to suspected concussion, then you must not allow them to return to play. Equally if a team takes a player off due to suspected concussion, you must not allow them to return. 

This is why you really need to be a able to RECOGNISE symptoms of concussion so complete the online course if you haven't done so already. 

Finally - if a player is injured during your game and requires an ambulance or a hospital visit, you must inform John Hill our Secretary 

There is no dispute that player safety is a major part of our duties as a referee. This means we have an obligation to maintain an awareness of and, where possible, control of situations that can lead to serious injury (take high tackles as an example).

 Concussion is a very real threat to player safety and the seriousness of it can sometimes not be immediately apparent. Undetected, it can lead to some very unpleasant outcomes which could even be life threatening.

 For this reason, the RFU insists that head injuries are treated with the highest priority and that those directly involved in the game (players/coaches/officials/physios etc) are properly trained to recognise and respond to possible incidences of concussion.

 If you have not already done so, you are strongly urged to complete the Online Concussion Training Module – Headcase. This will take around 20mins and can be accessed at :

http://www.englandrugbyfiles.com/concussion/courses/match-officials/

 LSRUR referees have so far been slow to complete this course and I urge you to do so without delay to prove that we operate to the best standards and prioritise player safety.

 You may even save someone’s life.

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