Support safer concussion management with the National Concussion Guidelines
New Zealand now has a national and consistent standard across all youth and community sport for returning to play after concussion.
The Sport Concussion in New Zealand: National Guidelines set clear expectations that players must take a minimum of 21 days away from full competition following a concussion and strongly recommend medical clearance before returning to sport.
Sport Concussion in New Zealand: National Guidelines
Launched in 2024, the guidelines were developed by a multidisciplinary panel of medical directors, sport physicians, physiotherapists, and injury prevention researchers representing New Zealand's major sporting codes and health organisations.
They have been endorsed by a wide range of professional bodies, including Physiotherapy New Zealand, School Sport New Zealand, Sports Medicine New Zealand, Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand, The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Royal New Zealand College of Urgent Care, Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and Ministry of Education (Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga).
These guidelines help health practitioners confidently and consistently return patients to sport and physical activity, with the right information on hand when needed. Consistent concussion management helps reduce the risk of long-term impacts such as prolonged symptoms, poor mental health and extended time away from school, work and sport.
Help your patients return to physical activity safely by following the Sport Concussion in New Zealand: National Guidelines.
You can also order free concussion resources for your practice or waiting room to raise awareness of the 21-day stand-down. Order them today and play your part in improving concussion management across New Zealand sport and active recreation.