CONCUSSION STUDY

Concussion in sport remains a hot topic in the media, both nationally and internationally. It is recognised across sport that players sometimes don’t get help for concussion due to the lack of knowledge and understanding by players and coaches about how to recognise when a concussion might have happened.  This is important because we know that seeking medical input as soon as possible after the injury can lead to faster recovery, safer return to play, and better long-term outcomes.

PhD candidate, Natalie Hardaker from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), is leading a study investigating knowledge and attitudes towards concussion in amateur football players (16 years and over) and coaches.

The study will assess the current level of knowledge around recognising concussion and the attitudes towards concussion (i.e. – what players and coaches would do if they suspected a concussion).

This will highlight areas to target education and support to ensure that players stay in the game and protect long term health.

Participation will involve answering a one-time online anonymous questionnaire which is completely confidential and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

FAQ

Will participant answers be identifiable?
No. Personal information is not collected as part of the survey

Why are you doing this research?
To see how much football players and coaches already know and understand about concussion so that education/interventions can be developed to ensure that players can look after

Will my club or national body know what my result is?
No. There will be no way to identify you in the results or the final analysis.

What will you do with the findings?
The findings will inform how and where to target education and support to ensure that players and coaches know what to do when a possible concussion occurs and to make sure players and coaches are supported to act on that knowledge.  The findings will also be published in a peer-reviewed journal and may be presented at relevant conferences.

Will this be published in the media?
Not without consultation with NZ Football and communication with federations.

Could the results make football look unsafe?
No more so than any article that has already been in the media. It is more likely to be positive and will highlight a proactive approach to ensuring that coaches and players are well-educated.

Will you share the results with us?
​​​​​​​Yes. Results will be shared with you as soon as they are available, either through written report, presentation, or both.