New Zealand Football have updated their concussion guidelines ahead of the new season, bringing the game in line with Sport NZ’s advice, to prioritise player welfare in Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest team participation sport.

A major change to the previous guidance now sees players with a suspected concussion subject to a 21-day stand down period from competing in New Zealand Football and federation competitions and only returning to play when symptom free and following medical clearance.

The updated guidelines establish best practice principals for dealing with suspected concussion in football and futsal by providing graduated return to play protocols:

Recognise – Recognise the signs of a suspected or potential concussion

Remove – Remove from play if a concussion is suspected and if in doubt ensure players are sat out anyway

Refer – Refer all suspected/potential concussion to a qualified medical professional (from a general practice or primary care team) for diagnosis and return to play guidelines

Rest and Recover – All players must have a full physical and cognitive rest, following medical advice and gradually returning to play once symptom free

Return – Players should undertake a graduated return to training (minimum 14 days) and playing (minimum 21 days)
 

The full guidance can be accessed on the New Zealand Football Performance and Prevention website including a graduated return to play guidance overview document.

For more information on concussion and injury prevention visit NZF Learn. 

Got questions about concussion guidelines? Read our FAQ. 

Article added: Thursday 06 March 2025