New Zealand Rugby Concussion Notification Form + Wellington Rugby Blue Card Procedure

Player welfare is the top priority in community rugby. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Wellington Rugby (WRFU) have a clear, aligned process for managing suspected concussion, combining the national Concussion Notification Form with the local Blue Card return‑to‑play requirements.

1. About the Concussion Reporting Form

The NZR Concussion Notification Form is used to report any suspected concussion in community rugby.

It helps ensure coaches, managers, referees, parents, schools/clubs and Provincial Unions can act quickly and consistently.

Anyone can complete the form, including:

• Referees
• Coaches & team managers
• Parents/guardians
• Schools/clubs
• Other responsible adults

You do not need to be certain a concussion has occurred, suspected cases must still be logged.

2. Suspected Concussion? Here’s What Happens

Step 1 - Recognise & Remove

If a player displays signs or symptoms of concussion, they must be removed immediately.

In community rugby, referees may issue a Blue Card, which:

• Signals suspected concussion
• Permanently removes the player from the match
• Triggers the formal return‑to‑play process

There is no appeal once a Blue Card is issued.
 

Step 2 - Log the Incident

All suspected or confirmed concussions must be recorded using the NZR Concussion Notification Form.

Submitting the form ensures:

• The player receives appropriate follow‑up
• NZR and WRFU are notified
• Medical review and next steps are clearly outlined
• Accurate national and regional monitoring
   

Step 3 - Receive Guidance

Once the form is submitted, the player (and their whānau/school/club) will receive:

• Concussion management information
• Advice on seeking medical assessment
• Guidance on return to learning/work
• Information on the Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) process

Players should seek medical attention within 24 hours of the incident.
 

Step 4 - National & Provincial Monitoring

All notifications are shared with:

• NZ Rugby for national tracking
• The relevant Provincial Union (WRFU) for local follow‑up and support

This helps improve concussion care and safety practices across the community game.

3. WRFU Blue Card Procedure

When a Blue Card is issued during a match:
 

Referee Reporting

After the game, the referee reports the Blue Card to WRFU.
 

WRFU Notification

WRFU sends a letter to the school/club and player confirming:

• The player is stood down due to suspected concussion
• The steps required to safely return to play
• The minimum stand‑down period (21 days)
• The GRTP requirements

4. Return to Play Requirements (GRTP)

A player must complete all of the following before returning:

1. Be symptom‑free
2. Serve the minimum 21‑day stand‑down
3. Complete the Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) stages
4. Be medically cleared by a doctor

5. Medical Clearance Process

• After finishing GRTP, the player must see a doctor
• The doctor signs the official WRFU Concussion Clearance Form
• The form must be submitted to WRFU 24 hours before the expected return
• WRFU will reimburse the cost of the doctor’s visit
• Once approved, the player is cleared to return to training and matches

Why This Matters

The Blue Card removes guesswork, if concussion is suspected, the player must be removed and cannot return that day.

This procedure is endorsed by NZR and supports the RugbySmart commitment to improving player safety.

Through RugbySmart, coaches, referees and players learn to:

• Recognise concussion
• Respond appropriately
• Prioritise player welfare
• Understand that “good technique is safe technique”

More Information

For full NZR concussion guidelines and return‑to‑play information, visit NZR’s concussion resources webpage.