Sports Safety - Concussion
- May 27
- 2 min read
2024 Newsletter Article
Equestrian Australia has recently advised the following:
“As you may already be aware, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in response to growing international evidence concerning the effects of concussion, their own medical advice and the recommendations of a Federal Parliament Senate Committee into concussions and repeated head trauma have released an updated ‘Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024’ on Feb 1st 2024. Following a consultation process with discipline committees and State CEOs, Equestrian Australia has decided to fully support the AIS position statement and will implement the revised stand down periods and return to play protocols effective from Saturday March 16th. The updated position statement includes a mandatory 21 day stand down period from competitive sport for both youth and community athletes, based on current evidence and best practice from international sporting organisations.”
Whilst we may not all be out there competing, the risks are present in our day-to-day participation of equestrian activities. The guidelines offer a graded return to sport framework for any concussion incident, which is worth noting not just for riding but perhaps partners' and children's sports too.
It is important that you make your coach aware of any medical issues that may influence your participation at rally, including any recent unplanned 'dismounts' / falls.
There is a super app called "HeadCheck": https://www.headcheck.com.au/
The app steps you through the situation and whether to seek medical attention when convenient or call emergency services. It makes you aware of the symptoms to monitor over the coming minutes/hours/days and what action to take. A great help in decision making when faced with a medical incident.
Horsemens has a clear and concise first aid policy and adhere to EA Health & Safety Procedures, including reporting all falls (both major or minor) through the EA Incident Reporting System.
Having a clear action plan gives us all the peace of mind to get out there with our horses and have fun 😊
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