Sport Concussion in New Zealand National Guidelines

Kia ora korua

Last week ACC released the updated Sport Concussion in New Zealand National Guidelines. These updated guidelines provide principles and general advice for local community sport and health professionals to recognise and treat concussion in a consistent way.  

Sport Concussion in New Zealand National Guidelines

The notable change is that there is now a consistent approach to return to sport (RTS) across all sport codes; athletes must now take a minimum period of 21 days away from full competition following a concussion and obtain medical clearance prior to RTS. 

This approach to RTS was based on the latest research around concussion and was agreed upon by an expert panel of medical directors from the larger and higher risk sport codes in New Zealand. Thank you for your support, clinical guidance and endorsement of the guidelines.

In the coming months, we will be creating resources for the health sector, so that health professionals are clear on what advice to give for safe RTS following a concussion.

Please feel free to share with your members.  

Ngā mihi Kate

​Kate Jerram,  (She/Her)

Clinical Advisor & Health Partner , ACC
BSc, BPhty, PGDipAppSc(OHS), GradCertBA