South African Rugby will roll out the use of the Blue Card at all levels of the game over the next few weeks. The blue card will signify that a player needs to be removed from the field of play due to a suspected concussion. It will come in to play in all levels of competition, with the exception of matches where World Rugby has approved use of HIA (head injury assessment) .
The Blue Card has been successful after its implementation at the SA Rugby Youth Weeks over the last two years. This has prompted it to be extended to school and club level, the SA Rugby Junior Provincial Championships and the Currie Cup First Division. The Blue Card works on the principle of ‘Recognise and Remove’ and enforces immediate removal of the player from the field.
All suspected concussions would be reported in a standardised referees blue card report, which is an online system. Individuals whose details are recorded through this online system will be sent information and advice for the management of concussion. The users will also gain access to a database of medical doctors sufficiently versed in concussion management for rugby union, through collaboration with Sports Concussion SA.
