IRB's Chief Medical Officer Urges Rugby Community: "If in Doubt, Sit it Out"

Martin Raftery is the International Rugby Board's Chief Medical Officer, and he has a message for rugby players everywhere: If you think you have a concussion, you shouldn't play.

Raftery's comments came ahead of the IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition, an  event that will take place in Dublin, Ireland from November 17-20. "Rugby is a physical contact sport and that is part of the fabric and attraction for those who want to play the game," Raftery said. "However, our duty is to ensure that the sport implements the very best standards of care to protect our players."

In case that there was any doubt that Raftery was speaking on behalf of the IRB and not just sharing his personal views, he clarified his comments. "We have a very clear message to the Rugby family - 'If in doubt, sit it out.' Players, coaches, medics, parents, and officials at all levels of the game should all recognize the symptoms of concussion and remove any player from the field of play who they suspect to be concussed," said Raftery. "They must not return."

Raftery had much more to say on the topic, and his full comments can be found at the IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition website.