NZ Combat Sports
Head Trauma Register
WHAT IS THIS AND WHY IT IS NEEDED
A transparent , accessible platform has been built for the benefit of full contact fighters, coaches, medics and promoters; to keep everyone in Aotearoa accountable ethically.
We need to ensure that fighter safety is paramount and this means everybody working together. This is to save lives and ensure fighters are looked after. New Zealand needs to lift its game at an administration level so promotors can be assured that the fighters they are matching are healthy and also be pro-active in minimizing the risks to fighters of not getting full recovery or information when faced with head trauma.
​
WHO DOES THIS APPLY TO
This applies to any full contact martial arts gyms, promotors, students and fighters where head trauma can occur from competition or training. Muay Thai, MMA, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing etc.
​
HOW DOES IT WORK
After a show or even a training incident, coaches, promotors, sanctioning reps, medics and fighters can submit the form below detailing any head trauma incidents that have happened during fights, in the gym, or even incidents out of the gym if the person is a fighter. Ideally the promotors and sanctions need to take more responsibility to ensure information is shared after shows.
From there incidents are recorded and held completely confidential and can be requested by promotors or coaches when matching fights. This will only be given for the fighter requested. Likewise if the administrators see a match coming up where a fighter has had recent head trauma then they will notify the promotor with relevant information - It is important to remember that the information is only as good as what administrators are given.
THE MISSION
The mission is to create a platform that benefits all full contact martial artists who share a belief in ethical accountability and prioritize fighter safety before anything else
​
STANDOWN PERIODS
In New Zealand there are many different sanctioning bodies, many different stand down times and many unsanctioned shows with minimal medical information being shared.
As a basic guideline however refer to the following, also refer to the SFM Concussion Guide PDF below. It is important with head trauma to take your time and do not move to the next step in your recovery until being symptom free for at least 48 hours, this includes mental fatigue and the ability to cope through out a day without signs or feelings of tiredness, headaches, forgetfulness etc.
​
Knock Out and Multiple 8 counts: Minimum 7 week stand down, no head contact or sparring and refer to SFM Guide for back to training advice.
2nd Knock Out in 6 Months: Minimum 3 months no head contact, refer to SFM Guide from there for a back to training plan.
​
8 Count/Standing 8 count (From Head Trauma): Monitor for delayed concussion symptoms and AVOID ALCHOL for at least a week, 4 week minimum stand down no sparring, refer to SFM Guide.
​
Significant Head Trauma: Monitor for delayed concussion symptoms, advise a minimum 30 day, no head contact break, refer to SFM Guide.
​
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE SHOW MEDICS RECOMMENDATIONS. IF THE SHOW DOESNT HAVE QUALIFIED MEDICS/NURSES/DOCTORS PLEASE VISIT YOUR GP OR A&E IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS.
​
PLEASE NOTE, A PROFESSIONAL PROMOTION WILL NOT USE WORK PLACE FIRST AIDERS OR PEOPLE WITH ONLY FIRST AID CERTIFICATES. PLEASE ENCOURAGE PROMOTORS, OFFICIALS & COACHES TO PUT OUR FIGHTERS SAFETY FIRST BY ONLY USING PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED OR QUALIFIED MEDICS.
​