A new study has been conducted in which UK rugby league players and parents were asked about their knowledge, perception and history of concussions, and reasons for non-reporting of concussions.
An online survey was completed by 484 rugby league players aged either 18 years or over, and 965 parents of rugby league players aged under 18 years.
The researchers found that 35% of players and 22% of parents reported at least one concussion in the last two seasons. 43% of players and 5% of parents stated they did not report concussion-related symptoms, with the most common reasons being that they did not want to be ruled out of a match or to let team players down. Players were less likely to report concussion symptoms when they had received external coaching pressures.
Over 40% of players and parents were concerned about the long-term implications of concussion. 10% of players and 7% of parents would encourage their families not to play rugby league.
The researchers concluded that coaches need to be engaged with prioritising brain health and appropriate concussion education.
Headway’s Concussion Aware campaign aims to improve awareness of concussion and encourages players of all sports to adapt an approach of If in doubt, sit it out! For more information, explore the sections below or visit our page Concussion Aware.
Reference: Tadmor, D.I., Chesson, L., Till, K., Phillips, G., Fairbank, L., Brown, J., Cross, M., Gardner, A.J., Johnston, R.D., Owen, C., Hendricks, S., Stokes, K.A., & Jones, B. (2024). Non-reporting of sport-related concussion symptoms: a cross-sectional study of community rugby league players in the UK. Injury Prevention. Online ahead of print. DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-045108
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