Non-fight periods and return to fight strategy
There is an increased risk of complications from a concussion if a contestant returns to training or competition before recovering completely. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain has healed can be dangerous. It may also slow recovery and increase the chance of long-term problems. It is essential to recognise a possible concussion and seek medical assessment and treatment while refraining from training and competition until recovery is complete.
Contestants must follow the return-to-fight guidelines set out in the Rules that recommend graduated return to training, including non-contact sparring and full contact sparring and competition provided that symptoms have resolved and following clearance by a medical professional.
Non fight periods
Contestants with a diagnosed or suspected concussion must, as a minimum, refrain from competition and contact sparring for at least 30 days. Medical clearances from a medical practitioner stating the contestant has recovered from their concussion (or suspected) must be provided to the Board prior to their next contest. The period of suspension increases in cases where successive concussions are sustained.
If a contestant is subject to a non fight period they will be ineligible to compete in professional contests during that period in the interests of their health and safety.
The Board’s non fight periods that apply to contestants is summarised in the following document: Non-fight period Non-fight-periods.docx (DOCX 1187.44 KB) 
Please note that this is currently under review by the Board’s Medical Advisory Sub-Committee.
Graduated return to training and fight strategy
The following guideline has been informed by a consensus statement produced by the Association of Ringside Physicians to support the return of a combat sports athlete to training and competition after sustaining a concussion.
An initial period of 24/48 hours of both relative physical and cognitive rest is recommended before beginning Stage 1 of this graduated strategy.
There should be at least 48 hours (or longer) for each step of the progression. If any symptoms worsen during exercise, contestants should go back to the previous step.
Stage 1: Return to limited activity
| Stage | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
1 | Return to symptom limited activity | Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms |
Stage 2: Return to general fitness
May only advance to this stage once concussion symptoms have resolved. It is recommended that Stage 2 not be commenced for at least one week.
| Stage | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
2.1 | Light aerobic activity | Walking, elliptical, stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training. |
2.2 | Moderate aerobic activity | Jogging, swimming, skipping, other aerobic activities. No head impact activities. |
2.3 | Sport-specific activity | Sprinting, mitts, bag/footwork, walk-through grappling. No partner work. May start progressive resistance training. |
Stage 3: Return to non-contact fighting activities
| Stage | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Bag/mitt work with movement | Tests fighter ability to punch and/or kick in multiple planes. |
| 3.2 | Shadow boxing/drills | Re-introduces fighter to sport environment and re-establishes footwork. |
| 3.3 | One-sided sparring & grappling. | Fighter begins to spar without the concern of contact. Reacts to opponent's movements and begins to get timing back for punches, kicks and body position. |
Stage 4: Return to contact fighting activities
May only advance to this stage when medical clearance has been obtained.
| Stage | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Sparring - short duration | First step of live sparring. Rounds of short duration with long breaks. Number of rounds is small to begin with but can be increased as tolerated. |
| 4.2 | Sparring – longer duration | Rounds at this stage can begin to lengthen in duration while breaks between can shorten. Number of rounds can increase as fatigue allows. |
| 4.3 | Full contact practice | Full return to normal training. Return to normal rounds and time limits based on sport and next potential bout. Contestant should be able to tolerate normal parameters of training/sparring and is training without a return of symptoms. |
| 4.4 | Return to fight/contest |
Adapted from Nalepa B, Alexander A, Pardini J, et al. Fighting to keep a sport safe: Toward a structured and sport-specific return to play protocol. The Physician and Sports Medicine. February 2017.
Page last updated: 16 September 2024