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https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...k/news-story/dcf90453e743eb8831b3829043106a56
The NRL have introduced a mandatory 11-day stand-down period for category one concussed players, effective immediately.
Category one can be defined as any of the following symptoms; a loss of consciousness, players failing to protect themselves when falling and unsteadiness on feet.
Players who show signs of a category one concussion are immediately ruled out of games and will now spend at least 11 days out of action.
The new rule come into play from Round 3 and it means players can be ruled out of two games if their side has a short turnaround.
There are five players missing from NRL action this week following concussions in Round 2, most notably Knights star Kalyn Ponga.
A category two concussion is when a player fails their HIA in the dressing room. They can still avoid missing games provided they gain clearance from an NRL-approved neurologist.
The landmark decision means the ARL Commission has joined the AFL and world rugby in introducing a mandatory stand-down period.
The commission informed NRL clubs of the new policy on Wednesday morning after concluding months of research into whether to strengthen their protocols around head knocks.
The decision was made with the AFL in the middle of a class action involving more than 60 former players in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The ARL Commission insists their historic decision was motivated by a desire to protect player rather than the threat of legal action.
“There is no greater priority for us than player safety. It’s front and centre of everything we do,” ARLC chairman Peter V’Landys said.
“Our current head injury protocols are exceptionally strong. Following a review of the data and the expert advice we have received, the Commission have enhanced these protocols even further by providing a mandatory 11 day stand down period following a diagnosed concussion.”
In exceptional circumstances, clubs will have the ability to apply for exemption to the 11-day stand-down period through a review by an independent neurological expert appointed by the NRL.
This application will only be allowable when:
- Category one symptoms are not observed.
- The player is asymptomatic the following day.
- Cognitive testing has returned to normal.
- The player has suffered fewer than five previous career concussions.
- The player has no previously diagnosed concussions within the previous three months.
- The player has no history of a previous concussion with prolonged recovery.
The NRL confirmed it will continue to monitor the latest technologies including blood and saliva testing as a tool for diagnosing concussion and continue to implement programs such as tackle technique education and tools to further prevent injuries.
