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 for at least 37 days 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 return to contact training/sparring. 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 and return to contest requirements. Non-fight periods and return to contest requirements (DOCX 44.13 KB)

Graduated return to training and fight strategy

The following guidelines reflect consensus expert opinion from the Australian Sports Commission, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Association of Ringside Physicians, Boxing USA, and leading academics and are provided to support the return of a combat sports athlete to training and competition after sustaining a concussion.

The guidelines align with the suspension/non fight periods applied.

• 37 day graduated return 37 day graduated return (PDF 194.61 KB)
• 60 day graduated return 60-day-graduated-return.pdf (PDF 191.69 KB)
• 90 day graduated return 90-day-graduated-return.pdf (PDF 191.94 KB)