of athletes from high-risk sports are estimated to experience a concussion each year.
Sports-related Concussion
There is growing concern in Australia and globally about sport-related concussion and the potential health ramifications for individuals who have suffered a concussion. If managed appropriately, most signs and symptoms of concussion, resolve spontaneously. However, complications can occur, including prolonged symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury.
Prevelance
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of high-risk sport athletes have reported suffering a concussion at some point in their sporting life.
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of concussions are never reported to coaches, trainers or club medical staff.
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of reported concussions report persistent symptoms beyond 14 days with normal activities.
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Australian Sports with the highest concussion rates
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Australian Sports with the highest concussion rates
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Australian Sports with the highest concussion rates
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Australian Sports with the highest concussion rates
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Australian Sports with the highest concussion rates
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1.Rugby (Union/League)
Reports the highest incidence of sports-related concussion in the world, right alongside American Football & Ice Hockey.
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2.Australian Rules Football
Elite AFL & AFLW also record some of the highest rates of concussion, however, at the sub-elite or amateur level the numbers are lower, this has been attributed to reduced speed and intensity of the game.
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3.Soccer
Less than 10% of concussions in high school soccer are caused by ball contact with the head (e.g headers). The most common cause of concussion in soccer? Colliding with another player. Females recorded higher concussion rates than males.
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4.Cricket
Due to the speed of fast bowlers and the hardness of cricket balls, cricket is still very much a high impact sport. Batters are the most susceptible to ball-impact related concussions.
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5.Basketball/Netball
Concussion rates are increasing in non-collision high-intensity court sports such as netball/basketball. Played in more confined spaces and on harder surfaces, accidental collision does occur and is the leading cause of concussion in basketball/netball (e.g. elbow contact to the head under the ring).
