New National Partnership Set to Improve Detection and Management of Concussions in Snowsports

Concussions are a surprisingly common occurrence in amateur and high-performance sports, often resulting in a variety of mental and physical symptoms. With such an individualised presentation and several misconceptions still associated with the condition, the detection and management of concussions are a significant challenge for many sports.

That’s all about to improve for snowsports in Australia, as Snow Australia is proud to announce a partnership with global concussion research and clinical management network Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI) that will provide the Australian snowsport community with a user-friendly, world-class concussion identification and management framework.

“Potential concussions are managed inherently poorly across sport worldwide, namely due to a lack of education and the broad spectrum of ‘grey’ associated with diagnosis and treatment,” explained Snow Australia Performance Health & Talent Manager, Ben Bond.

“We take concussion very seriously, and are committed to protecting the health & safety of our Snowsports Community.

“It is imperative that we provide a framework where all of our members can easily access baseline testing and world-class management if and when required,” he said.

CCMI, who have serviced Freestyle Canada and Canada Snowboard with their concussion management framework, was originally founded in Canada to improve the collective understanding of the prevention, management, and prognosis of concussion. It has now developed into a network that includes more than 450 clinic locations, providing concussion testing, management, and treatment services across three continents.

Through its trained rehabilitation professionals, CCMI maintains a high level of standardised care across a variety of communities and programs, giving patients confidence that all safety requirements are addressed prior to returning to snow, no matter their location.

The project is one of the first national sport partnerships for CCMI in Australia and is being launched in time for the domestic snow season, so that Pathway clubs and the broader community have the opportunity to undertake all necessary baseline testing before heading to the hills. 

Snow Australia members will be provided with free access to a range of educational resources, including the CCMI Concussion Sideline Course, designed to equip individuals with a basic understanding of what a concussion is, how to recognize it, and how to safely manage a concussed athlete back into the sporting environment.

Bond confirmed that the CCMI framework has already been trialled internally with some of the Snow Australia programs and it was piloted by the athletes of the Emerging Talent Program (ETP) throughout the 2021/22 international season, allowing for the remote management of athletes on the road and at home.

“We have received some really pleasing feedback. Coaches, parents and program providers have made note of the integrated approach and the ability for all stakeholders to make more informed decisions about returning to snow,” he said. 

The framework is not just suitable for young club athletes though, and Bond encourages all skiers and snowboarders to be tested for baseline.

“Anyone is susceptible to a fall on the slope and, after all, our brain is our biggest asset,” he said.

For more resources, access to the Snow Australia concussions policy and to sign up for the Concussion Sideline Course, visit https://www.snow.org.au/info-hub/concussion/