title: High school rugby players' understanding of concussion and return to play guidelines.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To document high school players' understanding and attitudes towards concussion return to play guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire based survey was performed of national high school rugby players as to their knowledge of existing concussion return to play guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 600 male players were surveyed, and 477 responded (response rate 80%). Half (237/477) were aware of concussion guidelines, and 60% (288/477) identified the mandated stand down period that is part of the regulations governing rugby football. Players obtained their information primarily from: teachers/coaches (239 responses), medical personnel (200), and other players (116). Of those players who suspected that they had been concussed (296/477, 62%), only 66 returned to play after medical clearance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This sample of high school players showed a limited knowledge of the concussion guidelines covering their sport, and even when concussed did not follow recommended protocols. This indicates the need for an increased focus on player education.
authors.affiliation: Kennedy Road Physiotherapy, Napier, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sye
authors.forename: S John
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCrory
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000523:psychology*; D032882:Comprehension; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries* / Q000523:psychology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires