Concussion Across All Equestrian Sport

As eventers may know, eventing has had a concussion protocol in place for about two years which covered athletes suspected of sustaining concussion after a fall. Details of this protocol are outlined in the current National Eventing rules. In 2018 there were 18 cases of suspected concussion recorded in Eventing Competition.

For the last few months EA has been consulting with various discipline committees and State Branches with the goal of introducing a concussion policy more widely than eventing. Concurrent discussions with Sport Australia suggested that the existing eventing (and any newly introduced protocols for other disciplines), should be consistent with the Concussion in Sport protocols.

At a meeting on Monday 25^th of February the EA board endorsed a proposal to implement a concussion protocol more broadly by July 1^st 2019 and to modify the existing eventing protocol to be consistent with the Concussion in Sport Protocols.

The key aspects of the policy are summarised in the Equestrian Australia Supplement to the Concussion in Sport Australia Position Statement published on the website under the news and safety tabs.

Of course the protocols above only affect falls in competition. Unfortunately many falls occur outside of competition, whether at home or out schooling, however the effects of concussion from these falls can be just a damaging as those in competition. It is important that parents, coaches, friends and riders themselves, are just as aware of the signs of concussion and the principles of good management. Details can be found at https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/

Parents should be aware that medical opinion suggests there is a heightened risk when young people suffer concussion. For this reason, the protocols differ between those 18 years and younger, and those 19 years and older. All parents are encouraged to visit https://www.concussioninsport.gov.au/

As the changes are rolled out over the next few months, there will be an ongoing information program for officials, athletes and parents.

"If in doubt, sit them out."

It is no longer smart to jump back on after a fall without considering the possibility of having sustained a concussion.