SASMA Position Statement Concussion in Sport
The SA Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) is the peak body advancing safe sport in SA through expert care, education and leadership. A not-for-profit delivering credible, non-commercial education via its professional members since 1961.
Our work strengthens communities and ensures lifelong safe participation in exercise and sport, supported by world-leading sports medicine education. A not-for profit organisation based at the SA Sports Institute (SASI) with close to 3,000 members, our work is delivered across metropolitan and regional SA.
Following the success of the State Government funded Community Concussion Program (2023-2026) which saw SASMA deliver concussion education to over 4,000 people, including 28 regional areas, a further two-year State Government funding has been awarded.
Most are aware of the concussion threat to sport given the media attention, complex information landscape and the risk a small percentage of people experience with ongoing concerns following a concussion injury. We are also aware of the growing threat that fear of injury is playing with families and individuals moving away from sport which will impact the health of our communities.
Given the volume of information available, SASMA has created a CONCUSSION GUIDE (found here) to assist sporting bodies, associations, clubs, medical and allied health professionals, schools, councils and the community understand and navigate what is accepted as international concussion best practice, based on peer reviewed evidence.
Sport and exercise are positive for our physical, mental and social wellbeing and whilst there is an inherent risk with and sport or activity, the real risk for governments and communities is inactivity and an unhealthy SA.
We thank the State Government for their continued support of this important work, assisting the sporting community to navigate this often-complex issue and invisible injury. There is no one solution, rather a series of evidence-based steps that lead to recognising the injury, removing the person, referring to support before returning to play.
Education is the best protection with sideline management, supported by SASMA’s accredited Sports Trainers and Sports Medicine Professionals.
SASMA welcomes ongoing innovation and research, and we await the release of the 7th International consensus statement on concussion in sport, led by the International Concussion in Sport Group (Concussion in Sport Group (CISG)) that will guide Australia’s national sporting and medical bodies on the next evidence-based steps.
Danielle Grant-Cross / CEO
Jared Strawbridge / President
About the Community Concussion Education Program
Supported by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, SASMA’s Community Concussion Education Program provides practical, evidence-based education and resources to community sporting clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents and participants, helping to improve concussion recognition, management and return-to-play practices across South Australia, learn more here.
New Concussion Infographic
Concussion – Current Practice Today and Considerations for the Future