World Rugby changes ruling over replacement period for off-field HIA
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World Rugby changes ruling over replacement period for off-field HIA
World Rugby has approved an amendment to law making it mandatory for players who undertake an off-field screening under the head injury assessment (HIA) protocol not to return before 10 minutes (actual time) have elapsed.
The amendment comes into effect globally from 26 August and applies to all participating elite adult rugby competitions*. It amends the previous time stipulation, which included no minimum requirement.
With the latest data indicating that the average time for the screening to be undertaken by a team or independent doctor being a shade over seven minutes, the introduction of a fixed time will further promote a calm, clinical environment for assessment without rush or risk of screening time falling well under the average completion time. The adjustment will also assist match management.
The three-point-in-time HIA process continues to play a significant role in protecting players and changing culture within the elite game.
Now operational in 22 competitions with strict implementation protocols, the evidence-based process that is underpinned by education, technology and medical management is a driving force behind ever-increasing accuracy of the identification and permanent removal of players with suspected or clear concussion.
- Prior to the HIA’s introduction in 2012, 44 per cent of players with concussion were being accurately identified and permanently removed in-match
- In 2013-14 across eight elite competitions, 87 per cent of players with concussion were accurately identified and permanently removed in-match
- At Rugby World Cup 2015 when video technology was introduced, 95.5 per cent of players with concussion were accurately identified and permanently removed in-match
- Currently, across 22 elite competitions, 92 per cent of players with concussion are accurately identified and permanently removed in-match
In addition, the HIA process continues to be researched across these 22 tournaments to improve off-field screening tools and outcomes from the HIA 1.
*Exception: The Rugby Championship 2017, which kicks off this weekend, will operate with the amendment in advance of the global implementation date.
The change affects Law 3.12 with the first bullet point now reading [the words in bold/italics are new]:
- Must leave the field of play for 10 minutes (actual time); and
If a player fails to present to a touchline official by the time 10 minutes have elapsed, that player will be deemed to have been permanently replaced.
