Help players follow the 21-day stand-down from sport after concussion
Why consistent advice matters
When a concussion happens in sport and active recreation settings, early and consistent advice plays an important role in supporting safe recovery.
Our Sport Concussion in New Zealand: National Guidelines provide clear guidance for community sport, where access to medical support can be limited or delayed. A key part of the guidelines is the return-to-play protocol, which recommends a minimum 21-day stand-down from full competition following concussion. It is also strongly recommended that players receive medical clearance before returning to sport.
Supporting a safe return to sport
For patients, following the right steps after concussion can help reduce the risk of reinjury, prolonged symptoms, and extended time away from school, work, sport, or other activities they enjoy.
Your role as a health professional
As a health professional, your advice helps players, whānau, coaches, and supporters understand why the 21-day stand-down matters and what a safe return to activity should look like. Consistent messaging across health and sport settings helps make concussion easier to recognise, report, and manage.
Building awareness across the sport system
To support the wider sport system, we have collaborated with Sport NZ and High-Performance Sport NZ to launch a new e-learning module for adults who support participants in sport and active recreation, such as coaches, teachers, volunteers, and other activity leaders.
The module is designed to help adults who support participants in sport and active recreation recognise concussion and understand the importance of the 21-day stand-down. It aims to reinforce safe recovery messages and encourage them to seek medical advice when needed.
How you can help
Use the national guidelines to support consistent concussion advice with your patients, including the importance of the 21-day stand-down and medical clearance before returning to sport.
You can also order free concussion resources from our Online Resource Ordering System, including quick reference cards, booklets, and posters, to help raise awareness in your practice, foyer, or waiting room.