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Study of Post-Concussion Behaviors in amateur Rugby

Philippe SERAYand, Paul POIREY, Quentin FONTAINE, Gauthier DELECLOY and Arnaud DUPEYRON

Concussions represent a growing health issue in amateur rugby due to the potential neurological sequelae associated with repeated head injuries. To structure their management, the French Rugby Federation introduced the “blue card protocol” in 2019, which is requiring a minimum ten-day before returning to play. The real-world application of this protocol remains poorly documented.This study aims to evaluate post-concussion behaviors among amateur rugby players in the Occitanie region and assess their compliance with federal recommendations.We roll out a quantitative descriptive study using an online questionnaire distributed to senior licensed players between September and November 2024. The primary evaluation criterion was the duration of rest following a concussion, compared with the 10-day standard using a Wilcoxon test (non-parametric sample). Secondary criteria involved the implementation of the blue card, access to medical care, and players’ level of knowledge.A total of 411 responses were collected, including 202 players who reported concussions since 2019. Among them, 95 did not take heed of any rest period after the injury, and the average rest duration was estimated at 8.5 days. The difference between this result and the recommended 10-day rest period is significant. The blue card was applied in 26.5% of cases. The data were comparable across all levels. Meanwhile, only 40% of players consulted a healthcare professional, and 30% reported having no knowledge of concussion risks but expressed a desire for better information. More than 75% would consider consulting their family doctor in case of a future concussion.The results highlight a concerning gap between official recommendations and real-world practices, both in rest duration and in the use of the regulatory protocol. These discrepancies can be explained by a rugby culture that tends to minimize symptoms, a lack of awareness, and limited access to medical services.The leading role of the general practitioner appears essential in the prevention and support of players. Strengthening the training of stakeholders in amateur rugby (players, staff, referees) is a key lever to improv concussion management.