Return to Play from the Concussions Awareness Training Tool.

From the Concussions Awareness Training Tool.

Return to Learn should be completed before Return to Play.

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

No sporting activity 

Symptom-limited physical and cognitive rest.

Light aerobic exercise

Walking, swimming, stationary cycling. No resistance training. Heart rate <70%.

Sport-specific exercise 

Skating drills (ice hockey), running drills (soccer). No head-impact activities.

Recovery

Increase heart rate

Add movement

Symptom-free for 24 hours?

Yes: Begin Stage 2
No: Continue resting

Symptom-free for 24 hours?

Yes: Move to Stage 3
No: Return to Stage 1

Symptom-free for 24 hours? 

Yes: Move to Stage 4
No: Return to Stage 2


STAGE 4 

STAGE 5

STAGE 6  

Non-contact drills  

Progress to complex training drills (e.g. passing drills). May start resistance training.

Full-contact practice 

Following medical clearance, participate in normal training activities.

Back in the game

Normal game play

Exercise, coordination, cognitive lead

Restore confidence; assess functional skills

 

Symptom-free for 24 hours?

Yes: Move to Stage 5
No: Return to Stage 3

Symptom-free for 24 hours?

Yes: Return to play
No: Return to Stage 4

 

If symptoms reappear at any stage, go back to the previous stage until symptom-free for 24 hours. You may need to move back a stage more than once during the recovery process.

Resources