Player Safety

Concussion Safety and Protocols

Player safety is paramount at the Bytown Blues. Rugby Ontario, Canada and World Rugby (IRB) have provided a set of guidelines and procedures that ARE adhered to at the club.

In keeping with Rugby Ontario's mission to promote, develop, and administer the playing of rugby under safe conditions in this province, concussion safety and prevention are important player welfare concerns. World Rugby has created guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and graduated return to play of players who have suffered a concussion.

Rugby Ontario policy requires all matches under its jurisdiction to be played in accordance to World Rugby Laws of the Game and their Regulations. Specifically, World Rugby Regulation 10.1 Concussion states - a Concussion must be taken extremely seriously.

Players suspected of having a concussion or diagnosed with concussion MUST be removed from the field of play and take no further part in the Match or training.

Players suspected of having a concussion or diagnosed with concussion MUST go through a graduated return to play protocol described in the World Rugby Concussion Guidelines.

Rugby Ontario strongly recommends that all players, coaches, parents, referees, administrators, medical practitioners, and other rugby stakeholders educate themselves on the Guidelines and Graduated Return to Play process through the newly released education modules from the World Rugby, which are available on the website, click below.