Graduated Return to Play
All players diagnosed with a concussion or suspected concussion must go through the Graduated Return to Play process (GRTP). Some sports have slightly different timeframes around the process but the steps are the same.
Step 1 Complete rest
Avoid physical activity, thinking tasks and screens
Guide to time frame at step = 24 hours
Step 2a. Daily activities that don’t cause symptoms
Symptom-guided activities such as walking, jogging or stationary cycling
Guide to time frame at step = 14 days
Step 2b. Light Aerobic Exercise
Symptom guided low to moderate intensity activities.
e.g light jogging,
swimming,
stationary cycling etc
Guide to time frame at step = 24 hours. It is recommended to start this at day 15 IF non-symptomatic
Step 3. Sport-specific exercise
Running drills, activities with no risk of head impact
Guide to time frame at step = 24 hours
Step 4. Non-contact training
Progression to more complex training drills e.g. passing, catching.
Can add in weight/resistance training
Guide to time frame at step = 24 hours. If the player has not yet returned to school/work they should not start step 5.
Medical clearance from a doctor
Before the next step which is full-contact training ensure that a doctor has cleared the person to return to full training
Step 5. Return to full training
May participate in normal training activities if medical clearance has been given.
If the sport involves contact the player may participate in this at training.
Guide to time frame at step = 24 hours
Step 6. Return to play
As long as no symptoms return after the full training session then the player is fully rehabilitated.
Continue to monitor if symptoms return consult with your doctor and stop participation in the sport until given the all-clear.
