1. BLUE CARD CONCUSSION INITIATIVE “Keeping our players safe” INTRODUCTION

2. BLUE CARD CONCUSSION INITIATIVE
Outcome of successful trial conducted by Northland Rugby Union in 2014
Approved by NZ Rugby Board and available for implementation in all provinces in NZ
Mandatory at all levels of adult rugby in all Mitre 10 Cup provinces in 2017
Heartland provinces are also encouraged to adopt this initiative
Implementation must comply with protocols and procedures developed by NZ Rugby
Presentation of this training session is one of the actions/protocols a provincial union must adopt in implementing this initiative

3. PURPOSE Enhance player safety and welfare – “Keeping our players safe”
Reinforce the Concussion Management processes already in place
Complement the new World Rugby Law Application Guidelines relating to Contact To The Head
Initiate a formal “Return to Play” (RTP) process for a player who has sustained a concussion or suspected concussion

4. “On – Field” process only
ISSUING of BLUE CARD
“On – Field” process only
Can only be issued by a registered/trained referee to a player demonstrating symptoms of concussion/suspected concussion
Player must leave the field and cannot return to play in the match
Initiates a sequence of off field processes that must be followed

5. OFF – FIELD PROCESS (REFEREE)
Record issuing of Blue Card on Team Sheet (clearly identifying player/s issued with Blue Card) Clearly record “BCI” (Blue Card Issued) next to player/s name
Record issuing of Blue Card on Match Report (clearly identifying player/s issued with Blue Card)

6. OFF FIELD PROCESS (TEAM COACH/MANAGER/CLUB)
Ensure issuing of Blue Card is clearly identified on Team Sheet Clearly record “BCI” (Blue Card Issued) next to player/s name
Strongly recommend player seeks medical attention within 24 hours
Submit Team Sheet to Provincial Union (clearly identify Blue Carded player/s)
Ensure player obtains and submits a medical certificate to Provincial Union 24 hours prior to resuming playing (21 / 23 days after date of issue of Blue Card)

7. OFF FIELD PROCESS (PLAYER)
Strongly recommended player seeks medical attention within 24 hours
Must obtain a medical certificate to resume playing
Obtains and submits a medical certificate to Provincial Union to resume playing (21 / 23 days after date of issue of Blue Card)

8. OFF-FIELD PROCESS (PROVINCIAL UNION)
Records details in Blue Card Register
Letter to club reminding of need for player to obtain a medical clearance to resume playing
Monitors return to play
Imposes sanctions on team/club for non compliance

9. PLAYER SAFETY and WELFARE is PARAMOUNT
SUMMARY
New Initiative – still evolving
May still need some refinement
NZ Rugby has introduced a robust set of protocols to ensure consistency in application throughout New Zealand
Player safety and welfare is joint responsibility of all game participants
PLAYER SAFETY and WELFARE is PARAMOUNT

10. “Keep our players safe”