New course helps adults recognise and respond to concussion

Sport NZ Group and ACC have launched When in doubt, sit them out, a free online course designed to help adults recognise a possible concussion, know what to do next and support a safe return to sport.

Around 11,000 sport-related concussions occur in New Zealand each year, and an estimated 30% go unreported. Concussion can happen in any sport and is not always obvious straight away.

The new online course brings trusted concussion information together in one place and presents it in a practical, easy-to-follow format for non-medical audiences.

The course is aimed at coaches, volunteers, teachers, school sport coordinators, parents, whānau and others supporting young people in sport and active recreation.

Through 5 short lessons, learners are guided through the key steps of recognising a possible concussion, removing someone from play, seeking medical advice, supporting recovery and helping them return to sport safely. The self-paced course takes about 30 minutes to complete and can be revisited at any time.

The course also reinforces an important message for anyone involved in youth sport: if concussion is suspected, remove the young person from play immediately and seek medical assessment. Anyone with a suspected or confirmed concussion must not return to full play for at least 21 days.

Ready to get started?

Start the free course on Sport Tutor

This is one of the projects delivered through Sport NZ and ACC’s 10-year partnership to make play, active recreation and sport safer and more accessible.