We take concussion seriously. So should you. Concussion can occur after any impact to the body that causes the brain to shake inside the skull. It doesn’t have to be an impact to the head. Players, referees and coaches must do everything they can to minimise or avoid situations that puts players at risk of concussion. But it’s also really important to take the aftercare seriously. Here’s how: Level Activity Undertaken Time Post Concussion 1 No activity, complete rest Once symptom free and cognitive recovery is demonstrated, proceed to level 2 2 – 3 days 2 Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling 4 – 10 days 3 Sport-specific training (e.g. running activity, ball-handling activity) 11 – 15 days 4 Non-contact training activities 16 – 20 days 5 Full-contact training after medical clearance 23 days 6 Game play 2 3 + days The minimum stand-down period for concussed players is three weeks plus a medical clearance - this applies at all levels of New Zealand community rugby. Don’t compare this with what you might see when the All Blacks are playing. They play in a professional environment and have trained specialists around them. So, unless you’ve got a neurologist on hand, ready to put you through heaps of tests, stick to these return to play guidelines. It could save your life.