Concussion in Sport Australia has revealed a new position statement, highlighting the simple of message “if in doubt, sit them out”.

Backed by leading sports medicine experts, the statement is targeted at athletes, coaches, parents, teachers and medical practitioners using a variety of contemporary evidence-based information aimed at helping spread the message.

Australian Institute of Sport Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes believed the information available will help educate Australians about the danger of concussion in sport.

“There is growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sport-related concussion and the potential health ramifications for athletes at all levels of sport,” Dr Hughes said.

“The website provides a valuable and trusted resource for the management of sports-related concussion for all Australians, regardless of the sport, location or level of participation.”

The initiative has been a joint venture between brining in some of the biggest sporting organisations in the country such as the AIS, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) and Sports Medicine Australia (SMA).

Click here to view the Concussion in Sport Statement. 

While Concussion in Sport Australia’s major focus is with athletes in the statement, it also hopes the message will extend past the confines of sport and into the general public.

With concussion now considered a broader public health issue, AMA President Dr Tony Bartone revealed that everyone needs to get involved in reducing concussion’s impact.

“The first step is to understand how to identify the symptoms and when to seek medical support,” Dr Bartone said.

“If managed properly, most symptoms and signs of concussion resolve spontaneously. However, complications can occur, including increased susceptibility to further injury.

“That’s why the ‘sit it out’ message is so crucial, and anyone returning to sport following concussion should get medical clearance to do so.”

With more than 40 sports and medical organisations around the country endorsing and supporting the position statement including the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), CEO Eugene Arocca agreed with the statement and its effects.

“Concussion is an issue that should be taken very seriously no matter what level the athlete is competing at,” Arocca said.

“While it’s always important to get strong results in motor sport, or any sport for that matter, the priority should always be with the health and well being of every single athlete, no matter what the cost is.

“This message while simple, is effective and we hope to relay the same message across to all our competitors.”

To view the CAMS Concession Guidelines as implemented by the CAMS National Medical Advisory Committee, click here.