Trainer’s Message

South West Sports Trainers Association

What is Concussion?

It is a disturbance in the brain function caused by Trauma 

What type of trauma cause’s concussion?

Concussion is commonly caused by impact to a player’s head. This can be from physical contact with another player or falling on the ground heavily with the head sustaining the most impact.

Can concussion be a serious injury?

Absolutely, if not managed correctly at the start. The short and long-term implications can be serious for a player.

What are Red Flags?

Are symptoms that a player has that requires them to be IMMEDIATELY removed from play unless spine or neck injuries are suspected then the game MUST stop and call an ambulance.

These symptoms that are red flags include:

• Athlete complains of neck pain
• Deteriorating conscious state
• Severe or increasing headache                                                                                                             
• Increased confusion or irritability
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizure or convulsion

• Unusual behaviour change                                                                       
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling/ burning in arms or legs
• Loss of consciousness

Other signs and symptoms include but are not limited to:
-Loss of consciousness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, “pressure in the head”, irritability, amnesia, nervous or anxious, headache, sensitivity to noise, balance problem, feeling slowed down, more emotional, neck pain, sensitivity to light, fatigue or low energy, difficulty remembering, seizure or convulsion, drowsiness, blurred vision, sadness, feeling like in “a fog” –“don’t feel right”, difficulty concentrating                                                                                                                                

The Key Message remains the same for all concussion “If in doubt, sit them out”   

Reference: Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Head Check Concussion App https://aflvic.com.au/headcheck-concussion-app/ May 2018

Notice Board

• Wednesday 27^th of April at 7PM in Warrnambool- Transdermal magnesium use in sports players

• First Aid Course HLTAID 003 and CPR update available on 23^rd of May 2022 and Friday 27^th of May 2022 for sports trainers, club officials or parent helpers. Please contact for further information.

All current, past and future sports trainers welcome to our meeting.

Proudly Supported by: The Flying Horse, Warrnambool – Pulse CPR – Star Printing

Email: sspokes@yahoo.com.au | Facebook page: South West Trainers