Recognise
Suspect concussion after a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or body when any sign or symptom is present.
PFA Northern Ireland · Brain Health Support
Protect today.Support for life.
Clear concussion guidance for players and clubs, plus practical dementia support for former players, families and carers across Northern Ireland.
Concussion · Recognise, remove, return safely
If in doubt,
sit them out.
Concussion is a brain injury. A player does not have to be knocked out, and symptoms may develop over the following 24–48 hours or later.
Remove
Stop play immediately. The player must not return that day, even if they say they feel well.
Refer
Arrange assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional and monitor for deterioration.
Recover
Use 24–48 hours of relative rest, then follow a gradual return to daily life, education, work and football.
What you may see or hear
Common signs and symptoms
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness, nausea or balance problems
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling slowed down, foggy or confused
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Unusual tiredness, irritability or emotion
- A dazed look, slow responses or unsteadiness
Call 999 / urgent A&E assessment
Red flags
- Loss of consciousness or increasing drowsiness
- A seizure, convulsion or limb twitching
- Increasing confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- Weakness, numbness, poor balance or problems speaking
- Severe or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Double vision or another new vision problem
- Severe neck pain or suspected fracture
The first 24–48 hours
What the club and family should do
- Arrange safe transport and a responsible adult to supervise.
- Do not leave the person alone for the first 24 hours.
- Allow sleep and relative rest; minimise phone and screen use.
- No alcohol, driving, cycling, machinery, training or matches in the first 24 hours.
- For under-18s, inform the parent or guardian and notify school.
- Record the incident and share the return plan with every team involved.
Graduated return
Life first. Football second.
Each stage should be tolerated without more than a mild, brief increase in symptoms. If symptoms worsen, stop, step back and seek medical advice.
1
Relative restFor 24–48 hours: sleep as needed, minimise screens and allow gentle daily activity or walking if tolerated.
2
Daily activityGradually reintroduce reading, television and normal home activities without more than a mild increase in symptoms.
3
Education or workBuild mental activity and light exercise, using breaks or shorter days if needed.
4
Sport-specific exerciseProgress gradually from light aerobic exercise. Avoid activity carrying a risk of another head impact.
5
Non-contact trainingIncrease intensity and football-specific work only when previous stages are tolerated.
6
Contact training and competitionReturn only after completing the progression. Follow current competition, medical and national governing-body protocols.
Important: contact a GP if symptoms persist beyond 28 days. Seek medical advice sooner if symptoms worsen or have not improved by 14 days. Professional and elite clubs must also follow their competition and medical protocols.
Read the full UK grassroots concussion guidance ↗Dementia · Understanding and acting early
Memory changes
deserve support.
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is a group of symptoms caused by diseases that affect the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and other conditions.
Football and brain health
Research continues into the relationship between football, repeated head impacts and neurodegenerative disease. Not everyone who has played football or experienced concussion will develop dementia. Any persistent cognitive, mood or movement change should be discussed with a GP.
Memory
Repeatedly forgetting recent conversations or events, or relying much more on reminders.
Thinking
Difficulty planning, handling money, following familiar tasks or finding the right words.
Orientation
Becoming confused about time or place, or getting lost in familiar surroundings.
Mood and behaviour
Noticeable changes in confidence, judgement, personality, motivation or social behaviour.
Everyday life
Problems that are persistent and begin to interfere with independence—not simply an occasional lapse.
If you are worried
Start with the GP.
Keep a brief note of the changes you have noticed, when they began, medicines, previous head injuries and how daily life is being affected. Ask someone trusted to attend if that would help.
1
Book a GP appointment. Some symptoms can have treatable causes, so assessment matters.
2
Ask about specialist assessment. The GP may refer to a memory service, older people’s mental health team or another specialist.
3
Plan after diagnosis. Ask for a named contact, medication review, care plan and information for the family.
4
Think ahead early. Discuss finances, benefits, driving, future wishes and Enduring Power of Attorney while the person can participate fully.
5
Stay connected. Activity, familiar routines, social contact and meaningful football memories can support quality of life.
Support for families and carers
You are part of
the care plan.
You do not need to manage dementia alone. Health and social care support can begin before a crisis.
Speak to an Admiral Nurse
Call the national helpline for specialist clinical advice, emotional support, behaviour changes, care decisions or help preparing for appointments.
0800 888 6678 →Request a social-care assessment
Contact your local Health and Social Care Trust and ask Adult Social Care or Older People’s Services for an assessment of the person’s care and support needs.
Find your HSC Trust →Ask for a carer’s assessment
If you provide regular unpaid care, ask the Trust for your own carer’s assessment. It considers your health, employment, sleep, breaks, training and the support you need.
Carer’s assessment advice →Ask what help is available
This may include domiciliary care, day opportunities, respite, equipment, home adaptations, occupational therapy, direct payments or residential-care assessment.
NI care assessment guide →Useful things for families to remember
Register as a carer with your GP. This can help the practice understand your circumstances and direct you to support.
Ask for a medication review. Sudden confusion can be delirium and needs urgent medical attention, particularly after infection, a fall or a medicine change.
Create an emergency plan. Keep medicines, contacts, routines and legal information in one safe place.
Look after your own health. Exhaustion is not a failure. Ask early about respite, carers’ groups and emotional support.
Trusted contacts
Help across Northern Ireland.
Tap a number to call. If someone is in immediate danger or has serious head-injury red flags, call 999.
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
Free expert advice for anyone living with dementia or supporting someone. Mon–Fri 9am–9pm; weekends and bank holidays 9am–5pm.
Alzheimer’s Society
Information, practical guidance, local services and dementia advisers covering every postcode in Northern Ireland.
Dementia NI
Support, activities and a voice for people living with dementia across Northern Ireland.
Carers NI
Advice on carers’ rights, assessments, work, practical support and money.
Advice NI
Free advice on benefits for carers and disabled people, household costs and financial support.
PFA Northern Ireland
Confidential guidance, signposting and support for players, former players and their families.
Social workers and local services
Find your Health and Social Care Trust
Northern Ireland has five Trusts: Belfast, Northern, South Eastern, Southern and Western. Use the official directory, then ask for Adult Social Care, Older People’s Services or the dementia team.
Open HSC Trust contactsMedical disclaimer and sources
Guidance you can trust.
This page provides general information and does not replace assessment or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Club staff should follow the latest Irish FA, competition and medical protocols. Information and service details should be reviewed regularly.