Concussion Resources

Thank you to our new partner, Lifecare Malvern, for sharing valuable concussion recognition and management information with our coaches, trainers and parents.

Lifecare has provided helpful resources outlining concussion symptoms, what to do if a player may be concussed, and the recovery steps needed to support a safe return to play.

Please take the time to read and download these resources, and keep them handy on match day so we can all work together to keep our players safe.

Concussion Awareness: What Parents, Players and Coaches Need to Know

The start of the football season is an important time to remind our club community about concussion awareness, recognition and recovery.

A big thank you to Alex from LifeCare Malvern for coming along to speak with our parents and players and sharing such valuable information. Concussion is something we all need to take seriously, and the more informed we are as a club, the better we can support the safety and wellbeing of our players.

What is concussion?

Concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or body, where force is transmitted to the brain.

It is also an evolving injury, which means symptoms can change over minutes or hours. A player may not always show obvious signs straight away, so it is important to keep monitoring them after a knock or heavy impact.

A helpful way to think about concussion is to imagine the brain like a battery. A concussion rapidly drains that battery, and recovery is about allowing it to fully recharge before returning to sport and risking further injury.

Recognising the signs and symptoms

Concussion can look different from player to player. Some symptoms are obvious, while others may be more subtle.

Red flags to watch for include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Becoming drowsy or sleepy
  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Neck pain or tenderness
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Weakness, numbness or tingling
  • Visible skull deformity
  • Increasing agitation or confusion

Other common signs may include:

  • Lying motionless for more than 5 seconds
  • Looking dazed or vacant
  • An unprotected fall
  • Behaviour changes
  • Balance problems
  • Being slow to get up
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering

If concussion is suspected, the most important message is simple: when in doubt, sit them out.

What to do in the first 48 hours

The first 48 hours after a suspected concussion are very important.

During this time, the focus should be on giving the brain time to rest and recover — or, as LifeCare described it, putting the “battery” on charge.

Initial management should include:

  • Removing the player from play immediately
  • Completing the HIA Match Day Form
  • Seeking medical advice from a GP
  • Encouraging relative rest
  • Reducing screen time and cognitive load
  • Allowing gentle walking and light daily activities, if tolerated

Relative rest does not mean doing absolutely nothing, but it does mean avoiding anything that increases symptoms or places extra strain on the brain.

The role of physiotherapy

From around 48 hours onwards, physiotherapy can help assess how the player is recovering and identify any areas still affected by concussion.

Common areas that may be impacted include:

  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Concentration
  • Memory

Rehabilitation is about helping the brain return to full function before the player is exposed to contact sport again. Using the battery example, this means making sure the battery is fully recharged before testing it under pressure.

Returning to sport

Return to sport should always be symptom-based, not time-based.

This means players should not return simply because a certain number of days have passed. Instead, they need to gradually increase exercise intensity and monitor how their symptoms respond.

Before returning to contact training or games, a GP must complete the HIA Clearance Form.

AFL guidelines recommend a minimum of 21 days before returning to play, but recovery can often take longer. Every player is different, and the priority should always be long-term health and safety.

Support from LifeCare Malvern

LifeCare Malvern offers PJFC members discounted rates and priority appointment times for both children and parents.

Their services include:

  • Sports physiotherapy
  • Podiatry
  • Access to Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultant, Dr Stuart Down
  • Baseline concussion testing and assessments
  • Strength, speed and jump testing using VALD technology

We encourage all parents, coaches and players to familiarise themselves with the concussion resources and keep them handy throughout the season.

Concussion recognition and recovery is so important in sport, and as a club, we want to make sure everyone feels informed and confident in knowing what to look for and what steps to take.

A Note for Parents:

Please respect the decision of team trainers and coaches if they believe your child may have suffered a concussion. Player health and long-term wellbeing must always come before the game. 

All potential concussions need to be taken seriously, recorded at the time, assessed by a GP and supported through recovery by qualified professionals, such as the team at Lifecare Malvern. Our trainers are only looking out for the kids, so please support their decision to remove a player from the field when needed.

 

Resources for Parents and Trainers:


Click here for Offers for PJFC Families from Lifecare

  • Players of PJFC have discounted physiotherapy visits for all injuries including concussion management – 25% off initial consultations
  • Parents at PJFC are entitled to discounted Clinical Exercise Sessions (Pilates) and Running Assessments – 25% off initial consultations and 50% off initial Clinical Exercise Session consultations (Strong for life and Clinical Exercise Class

 

A note from Alex and Jerome at Lifecare Malvern

When it comes to concussion, it’s helpful to think of the brain as a battery.

When a concussion occurs, the battery loses a significant amount of its charge – leading to the symptoms of concussion. The recovery of concussion aims to recharge the battery and its capacity to work in normal conditions and eventually back on the sporting field. To return to play, athletes need to see a GP for the initial paperwork and diagnosis. Sports physiotherapy has a role in ensuring that all brain functions are restored to pre-injury levels, prior to their sign off with the GP for return to contact and matches. A baseline test can assist in ensuring our athlete returns to “their” normal and helps us know where the goal posts are in their recovery.

Concussion has potential for lifelong change and needs to be treated as seriously as any other injury that occurs on the sports field.