Concussion rules by sport
Reviewed November 2026 by Online Concussion Clinic, a Perth-based telehealth concussion physiotherapy service. How this site is run
Every major Australian sport now has a minimum stand-down after a concussion, but the details — how many days, and who can clear a player — differ between sports. This table compares the community rules used in Perth.
Community concussion rules compared
| Sport | Earliest return to games | Who can clear | Also note |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFL | 21 days | Medical doctor only | Same rule at all community levels, juniors and seniors |
| Rugby union | 21 days (18 and under) 12 days (19 and over) | Medical doctor | Blue Card used from under-13s up |
| Rugby league | 19 days (18 and under) 11 days (19 and over) | Medical doctor, on the NRL Medical Clearance Form | Each return stage takes 48 hours for juniors |
| Football (soccer) | 21 days | Medical practitioner | 14 days symptom-free before full contact training |
| Netball | 21 days | Doctor, or physiotherapist with concussion skills | 14 days symptom-free before contact training |
| Hockey | 21 days | Medical doctor, in writing | No training until at least 14 days and symptom-free |
Days are counted from the day of the concussion (day 0). These are the earliest dates — players must also be symptom-free, finish the graded return and be cleared. Elite competitions such as the AFL, NRL and Super Netball have separate rules.
The national rules behind them
The Australian Institute of Sport's 2024 guidelines for youth and community sport say anyone with a concussion should be symptom-free at rest for at least 14 days before contact training, and wait at least 21 days before competitive contact sport. Most sports have adopted these rules, and some apply a shorter stand-down for adults.
Sport guides
- Australian football (AFL)Minimum 21 days, doctor clearance.
- Rugby union21 days for 18 and under, 12 days adults.
- Rugby leagueDoctor clearance on the NRL form; longer for juniors.
- Football (soccer)14 days symptom-free, 21 days before matches.
- Netball21 days; doctor or concussion-trained physio can clear.
- Hockey14 days before training, 21 days before playing.
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is:
- Loss of consciousness, or getting drowsier or harder to wake
- A seizure or convulsion
- Severe or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Weakness, tingling or burning in the arms or legs
- Increasing confusion, agitation, restlessness or unusual behaviour
- A visible deformity of the skull
For children, the emergency department at Perth Children's Hospital (Nedlands) is open 24 hours. If you're unsure, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours) for nurse advice.
Find concussion care in Perth
Browse verified concussion providers across Perth — physiotherapists, GPs and neuropsychologists — and use the map to find one close to home. You don't need a referral to see a physiotherapist privately.
Where this information comes from
- Australian Institute of Sport. Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024, and the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport. ausport.gov.au/concussion
Sport rules are updated regularly, usually before each season. This page was checked in November 2026 — always check the current policy with your club, league or school. This page is general information, not medical advice.