Concussion in Motorcycle Sport
Following wide-ranging consultation with local and international authorities on sport-related concussion, Motorcycling Australia’s Medical Panel has released a comprehensive set of guidelines and requirements to manage and mitigate the effects of concussion.
The guidelines are designed to provide clear and concise advice to riders, teams, officials, motorcycle sports participants, coaches and healthcare personnel on all aspects of the concussion in motorcycle sport, from recognition and recommended treatment right through to returning to competition and having a clear understanding of the residual impacts of concussion.
Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by biomechanical forces, and the risks of motorcycle sport makes it of critical importance. It can be caused by any force from a minor ‘knock’ to a heavy and severe impact, and can significantly affect an individual’s health, performance and overall quality of life.
In motorcycle sport, concussion can occur while you are wearing a helmet or even in low-speed crashes.
Symptoms of concussion include mild headaches, tiredness, physical, cognitive and emotional disruption, reduced concentration, nausea, memory difficulties, irritability, dizziness and/or balance problems.
Assessment of the injured rider and return to competition should be in accordance with the guidelines for the assessment and management of concussion as contained in the new MA Concussion Management Guidelines provided below.
MA Concussion Guidelines
If an assessment confirms a concussion, the rider should immediately be excluded from riding and is required to follow the requirements of the MA Concussion Management Guidelines.
Prior to returning to competition, the rider should be assessed and provide documentary evidence of a return to normal neuro-psychological function following the details and recommendations found in the documents below.
Mandatory non-riding timeframes for adults and children following the confirmation of concussion must be followed in accordance with the MA Concussion Management Guidelines, with more information available in the MA Return to Riding Fact Sheet
Additionally, the documents below outline the process and requirements for the ‘’Return to Sport’’ procedures and unsuspending your MA licence by completing the steps detailed in the MA Return to Riding Fact Sheet
- MA Concussion Management Guidelines
- MA Return to Riding Fact Sheet
- MA Return to Sport Form
- MA Concussion Education Poster
Additional concussion resources
- Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6): Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6) is a tool for NON-medically trained individuals to recognise suspected Sports Related Concussion and take the appropriate next steps. It does not diagnose concussion but is a tool to recognise those at risk and remove from activity for further evaluation by trained medical personnel.
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6): The SCAT6 is a standardised tool for evaluating injured riders for concussion and can be used in athletes aged from 13 years and older. For use by medical professionals only.
- Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool: (ChildSCAT6) Sport Concussion Assessment Tool for children ages 5 to12 years. The ChildSCAT6 is a standardised tool for evaluating injured children for concussion. For use by medical professionals only.
Procedure in case of doubt of medical fitness
The examining doctor may not feel able to approve an applicant on medical grounds. In such a case he or she should complete the certificate, having ticked the relevant box, sign it, and then send it to Motorcycling Australia with their observations, including past history. If necessary, they should request that the applicant be examined by a medical professional appointed by Motorcycling Australia or the State Controlling Body.
Cost of medical examination
Any fee arising from the examination or completion of the medical certificate is the responsibility of the applicant.