Remove from play
Take the player out of the game or training session immediately. They must not return that day, even if symptoms improve.
— Player health & safety
Concussion
guidelines.
Concussion is a serious brain injury. Recognise the signs, remove the player and put recovery first.
What to do now ↓Immediate action
Recognise it.
Remove them.
Protect the player.
After a suspected concussion, the player must be removed from play and assessed by a healthcare professional within 24 hours.
Seek assessment
Arrange an assessment by a healthcare professional within 24 hours, or call NHS 111 for guidance.
Stay with them
The player should not be left alone during the first 24 hours. Supervise them and monitor changing symptoms.
Return gradually
Prioritise education or work before sport. Allow at least 21 days before returning to contact matches.
Emergency warning signs
Go to A&E immediately
- → Seizure or loss of consciousness
- → Severe or worsening headache
- → Repeated vomiting or increasing confusion
- → Double vision or severe neck pain
- → Weakness or tingling in the limbs
Return to activity
Recovery is a process,
not a race.
A gradual return to activity is required. Symptoms lasting beyond 28 days need further medical advice.
0Same dayNo return to play
24HoursMedical assessment
21Days minimumBefore contact matches
28DaysSeek advice if symptoms persist
Official resource
FA concussion guidelines
Practical guidance for recognising and managing concussion in football.
PFA NI partner
Know your baseline with BrainEye.
BrainEye helps players measure, train and manage brain health, providing real-time results that can highlight potential changes.
● Healthy rangeA green result indicates the player is within their healthy range.
● Seek adviceA changed result suggests consulting a medical professional.
Baseline testing
Your healthy brain,
measured first.
Baseline testing records brain function before a concussion occurs, giving clinicians a personal reference point during recovery.
to complete the computer-based ImPACT test
memory, processing speed and reaction time
for the adult version of the ImPACT test
What does ImPACT tell your doctor? +
It does not diagnose concussion. It provides a baseline score that helps clinicians shape treatment, track recovery and decide when it is safe to return to sport.
Why is a baseline useful? +
Concussion does not usually appear on CT or MRI scans. Comparing post-injury results with a healthy baseline offers another objective measure.
Ready to take a proactive step?