ACC Concussion Claims Rise as Awareness Grows in Community Sport

Sports-related concussion claims accepted by ACC climbed from 10,712 in 2023 to 12,045 in 2024, a trend the agency views as a positive sign that more New Zealanders are recognising and properly reporting head injuries. ACC injury prevention partner Nat Hardaker said the rise reflects a gradual shift in culture, with more people presenting to health practitioners after sustaining a concussion rather than pushing through.

The increase follows the introduction of ACC's National Concussion Guidelines at the start of the 2024 winter sports season. Based on current research, the guidelines require a minimum of 21 days away from full competition following a concussion, providing a consistent approach across all sports. The cost of supporting people recovering from sports-related concussion reached $80 million in 2024, up from $65 million the year prior.

Rugby union recorded the highest number of winter sports concussion claims at 3,316, followed by football (1,218), rugby league (624), hockey (428) and basketball (418). Young people aged 15–19 made up the largest group of claimants, and the Bay of Plenty region recorded 813 claims. Hardaker emphasised that good early management of concussion leads to better long-term outcomes, and urged players, coaches, whānau and referees to treat recognition and reporting of concussion as the smart thing to do.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).