Australian Rugby Union tackles concussion problem with blue card

Yellow and red cards are used to discipline players in rugby and now one international federation is to trial a blue card to safeguard their health.

The system -- to be launched by the Australian Rugby Union and effective Saturday across grassroots competitions -- gives the referee full authority to dismiss from the pitch any player showing signs of concussion during a match.

In a game of "more hits, more tackles, more carries and more collisions" -- in the words of former England international Alex Corbisiero -- the recipient of a blue card will not be permitted to return to the pitch for the remainder of the match, and cannot return to rugby until they have passed tests to prove a full recovery.

Affected individuals must undertake the minimum stand down period under ARU guidelines -- 12 days for adults and 19 days for children -- before obtaining professional medical clearance.

Only then will they be able to return.

ARU guidelines for blue card recipient
• Physical rest for 24 hours or for as long as advised by a medical practitioner
• Complete the minimum stand down period under the ARU concussion guidelines (12 days for adults, 19 days for children under 18)
• Undertake a Graduated Return to Play program
• Obtain medical clearance to return to training/play

A player can be concussed without losing consciousness -- and indeed many such individuals express a desire to continue playing. It is there the danger arises.

Symptoms vary wildly from case to case and often take time to reveal themselves. Premature return can hamper full rehabilitation and put the player under risk of further concussions.

But even at elite level, players have been returning to the pitch despite showing clear warning signs.

George North was allowed to continue earlier this season despite losing consciousness, prompting Barry O'Driscoll, a leading doctor and former international rugby player, to deem the protocol "not fit for purpose."

Source : CNN News 
-Agencies