Concussion knowledge, attitude and reporting intention in rugby coaches and high school rugby players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate New Zealand high school rugby union players’ and community coaches’ concussion knowledge (CK), concussion attitude (CA) and concussion reporting intentions (CRI) and to explore the impact gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, experience, and concussion history had on these outcome measures. This cross-sectional study utilised the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes survey to evaluate CK, CA and CRI. The survey and demographic information were completed by 533 high school players (61.5% male, M = 16.2 yrs) and 733 community rugby coaches (93.0% male, M = 42.2 yrs). Coaches displayed greater awareness, safer attitudes, and stronger reporting intentions towards concussion than players. Among players, differences in CK, CA and CRI were observed by gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Among coaches, differences in CRI were found by age and coaching experience. No differences were observed for age or concussion history in players. Gender, ethnicity, and grade coached were not significant for coaches. Players who identified as Māori or Pasifika and those from schools in low socio-economic areas displayed poorer CK and CA. Years of experience for both players and coaches played a critical role in improving CA and is a factor that should be considered when welcoming new participants to either role. Concussion non-disclosure is a systemic issue and is common across gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status and appears to worsen as the playing season progresses. More work is needed to develop educational strategies that are both culturally responsive, sustainable, and address reporting behaviours.

Post-concussion return-to-play: Perceptions of roles, responsibilities and guideline implementation among community club rugby stakeholders in South Africa

“…The low referral rate of players to immediate care following a loss of consciousness needs to be addressed in future SARU educational initiatives. 32 The current study indicated that coaches in community rugby have the highest perceived responsibility to uphold post-concussion RTP. Half of the players, coaches and administrative staff identified coaches as responsible in the assessment of whether a player is ready to RTP post-concussion.…”

“…Half of the players, coaches and administrative staff identified coaches as responsible in the assessment of whether a player is ready to RTP post-concussion. The study by Salmon et al 32 revealed that 71% of high school players surveyed in the study reported that they received concussion information from their coach. Coaches were also the most identified stakeholders responsible for monitoring matches and training for concussions.…”

“…Recently, medical staff and referees were also found to have the highest level of knowledge of concussion among community rugby stakeholders. 7,31,32 In a study by Sye et al., New Zealand coaches scored 74% for concussion knowledge, ranking third after referees and medical staff. 7 In recent studies by van Vuuren et al.…”

“…Recently, medical staff and referees were also found to have the highest level of knowledge of concussion among community rugby stakeholders. 7,31,32 In a study by Sye et al, New Zealand coaches scored 74% for concussion knowledge, ranking third after referees and medical staff. 7 In recent studies by van Vuuren et al 31 (community rugby -club level) and Salmon et al 32 (community rugby -school level) also revealed that coaches scored significantly higher than other stakeholder for concussion knowledge and attitude.…”

“…7,31,32 In a study by Sye et al, New Zealand coaches scored 74% for concussion knowledge, ranking third after referees and medical staff. 7 In recent studies by van Vuuren et al 31 (community rugby -club level) and Salmon et al 32 (community rugby -school level) also revealed that coaches scored significantly higher than other stakeholder for concussion knowledge and attitude. The finding from the studies is unsurprising as coaches in South Africa and New Zealand are required to attend an bi-annual rugby safety workshop which includes a concussion education component, while players receive no direct concussion education similar to that.…”