Concussion occurs in all sports, and is commonly diagnosed when there is a functional disturbance in the brain. This can be the result of a fall or as a result of a head / body contact between participants. A direct “blow or hit” to the head is not required for a concussion to occur.
It is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States that an estimated 1.6 and 3.8 million sports-related concussive injuries occur annually, and that these account for between 5 and 9 % of all sports injuries.
The figures in Australia would be proportionate, relative to population size, with the number of reported concussions increasing dramatically each year. In AFL alone, statistics show that every team experiences 6-7 concussion incidents each season (this includes all levels of AFL, not just the major league). Multiplied out against all levels of this sport would be a disturbingly high number.
The Concussion in Sport Australia, Position Statement, updated in February, 2019 by SportAUS.gov.au reported that hospitalization rates for concussion across different sports have been examined and when adjustments were made for participation rates, the sports with the highest concussion rates were determined to be:
Motor Sports – 181/100,000 participants
Equestrian – 130/100,000 participants
Australian Football – 80/100,000 participants 
All Codes of Rugby – 50/100,000 participants
Roller Sports – 45/100,000 participants
Other sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, ice hockey, baseball, horse racing, polo, water polo, baseball, cricket, gymnastics, netball, cycling / BMX / mountain bike riding, boxing, lacrosse, all snow sports and other collision and contact sports also experience concussion injuries, but were not covered in the study.
There are 42 reported definitions of concussion which makes it a difficult injury to diagnose accurately and to report on. Current global best practice protocols rely on subjective decision making, which along with an athlete’s unwillingness to disclose symptoms or even a concussive event, make diagnosis and treatment difficult. Lack of education and in training key stakeholders in the diagnosis and treatment of the injury are key reasons why there is such a disparity in the statistics quoted above.
Understanding and recognising the symptoms of moderate and medium traumatic brain injuries (concussion), either immediately following, or in the hours /days after an event is vital to the efficient treatment of the injury. Symptoms (listed below) appear in different forms and require disciplined observation and treatment when required.
Physical – Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Balance Problems, Dizziness, Sensitivity to Light, Sensitivity to Noise, Numbness / Tingling, Dazed, Convulsions
Cognitive – Feeling mentally “foggy”, feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, feeling stunned, difficulty remembering, forgetful or recent information and conversations, confused about recent events, answers questions slowly, repeats questions.
Emotional – Irritable, Sadness, More Emotional, Nervousness.
Sleep – Drowsiness, Sleeping more than usual, Sleeping less than usual, Difficulty falling asleep.
Harmon K.G., Drezner J, Gammons M, Guskiewicz K, Halstead M, Herring S, Kutcher J, Pana A, Putukian M, Roberts W. “American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement: Concussion in Sport”. Published, Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: January 2013 – Volume 23 – Issue 1 – p 1-18.
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Partridge B, Hall W. “Conflicts of Interest in Recommendations to use Computerized Neuropsychological Tests to Manage Concussion in Professional Football Codes”. UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Qld., Australia. Published, NeuroEthics, DOI 10.1007/s12152-013-9182-z, 20 February 2013.
Kaye, A.H., and P. McCrory.2012. “Does football cause brain damage?” Published in Medical Journal of Australia 196(9): 547-49.