Coaches, athletes and parents across all levels of sport are being asked to heed the message “if in doubt, sit them out”.

This important message is part of a position statement which brings together the most contemporary evidence-based information on concussion for athletes, parents, teachers, coaches and medical practitioners.

“There is growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sport-related concussion and the potential health ramifications for athletes at all levels of sport, said AIS Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes.

“The website provides a valuable and trusted resource for the management of sports-related concussion for all Australians, regardless of the sport, location or level of participation."

Concussion in sport Australia is an initiative of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) and Sports Medicine Australia (SMA).

More than 40 sport and medical organisations have endorsed and supported the position statement, including Rugby Australia, Football Federation Australia, Cycling Australia, Basketball Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee.

Concussion in sport Australia is also urging the public to recognise that concussion is not confined to elite competition and is a broader public health issue. AMA President Dr Tony Bartone said everyone needed to play a part in reducing the impact of concussion.

The full position statement can be found on the website, along with videos, fact sheets, online training and other practical resources.

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