ACC is urging Bay of Plenty athletes to take concussion seriously this winter, with hundreds of injuries recorded across the region last year.

In 2025, ACC accepted 5854 concussion-related claims nationwide across the five main winter sports – rugby union, football, netball, basketball and rugby league.

Of those, 324 were in the Bay of Plenty, costing $801,221 to support recovery.

In a media release, ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said concussion remains a complex injury with wide-reaching impacts.

“Concussions can be very complex and can affect people in a wide range of ways over a prolonged period of time,” Whitaker said.

“They don’t just affect the injured person – there can be flow-on effects for family, friends and workmates too, so it is always better to prevent the injury in the first place.”

Whitaker said good technique and early recognition are key, particularly in contact sports.

“If you’re playing rugby or league, always use the right technique when tackling. For league it’s important to get low and close. For rugby the mantra is cheek to cheek.”

He said players showing signs of concussion – including headaches, dizziness, confusion or nausea – should be immediately removed from play and medically assessed.

According to ACC, rugby union accounted for the highest number of concussion claims nationally, with 3256 cases in 2025 – more than half of all winter sport injuries. In the Bay of Plenty, 195 rugby-related concussion claims were recorded.

“Rugby is our national game and a highlight of the winter season, but people need to look after their brains,” Whitaker said.

“If someone isn’t 100% right, get them off the field and checked by a doctor. Early management can improve long-term outcomes.”

Football had the second-highest number of claims in 2025 with 1258, followed by rugby league (601), basketball (457) and netball (274).

Research also shows Māori and Pacific players experience higher rates of concussion but are less likely to report symptoms.

Whitaker said ACC’s National Concussion Guidelines for community sport aim to create a consistent and safer approach.

“The guidelines focus on increasing awareness and putting player welfare first – but they’re only as effective as the communities that adopt them.”

The guidelines require players to be symptom-free for 14 days before starting a graduated return to play, followed by a minimum 21-day stand-down from full competition. Medical clearance is also mandatory.

ACC is also promoting the “four Rs” of concussion management: recognise the signs, remove the player, refer them to a doctor and allow time to recover before returning to sport.

Whitaker said everyone involved in sport has a role to play.

“Early removal and access to care reduces recovery time. Extra caution is needed for children, adolescents and female athletes, who often take longer to recover.

“Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to support the recognition and management of concussion in sport.”