Concussion may be described as “a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head. It forces the brain to move violently inside the skull, which may stretch or damage brain cells. This may alter how the brain functions, however, concussion is usually temporary”.

Concussion is increasingly recognised as a serious health issue requiring clear policies, education, and management. Sailing is not traditionally viewed as a contact or collision sport, yet there is a risk of concussion. Both competitors and race officials are reminded to remain vigilant. Similarly, the conversation regarding head protection (helmets and bump hats) continues across classes and disciplines.

Australian Sailing has adopted a Concussion Policy aligned with the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport released in February 2024 by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in collaboration with Sports Medicine Australia. The policy draws on a range of concussion related resources and reflects contemporary best practice in community sport.

These guidelines emphasise:

• Recognising concussion symptoms early
• Removing competitors from continuing if concussion is suspected
• Ensuring appropriate medical assessment
• Following a structured return to sport pathway

Australian Sailing has actively communicated these expectations to the community through:

• Sport Related Concussion Short Course
• Webinar on Concussion
• Availability of concussion guidelines

Although sailing is not noted among high risk sports in concussion literature, the risk is still present. Boom strikes, falls, and unexpected impacts may occur, making recognition and treatment essential.

Helmet requirements are determined by class. There is variation in helmet requirements - some classes mandate helmets, (WASZP), whilst others (International Moth), do not.

For the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, World Sailing has issued guidance on the type of helmet that is required (for classes where helmets are required). This ensures consistency and appropriate protection at the elite level and is expected to influence class rules and event requirements in the future.

The question of helmets offshore was examined in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024 Review Committee report. The committee recommended that helmets remain optional and guided by individual preference.

Importantly, there are no rules prohibiting sailors from wearing helmets in any events. Sailors and crews are free to adopt head protection if they believe it enhances safety.

A critical point is that helmets do not prevent concussion. The Australian Sports Commission makes statements to this effect here. Whilst helmets may reduce the severity of direct impacts to the head, they do not eliminate the risk of concussion which is caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head. This distinction matters. Helmets are a valuable safety tool in many sailing contexts, but they do not eliminate all head injuries.

Some class rules mandate helmets. See:

• Nacra C3.1 (a)(ii)
• Kiteboard C3.2 I
• iQFoil C3.2 (a) (i)

There is no gold standard for helmet choice, but the class rules state: “minimum standard EN1385, EN1077, EN 966, ASTM 2040, Snell S98 or equivalent, with a brightly colored region of at least 300 square centimeters of the exterior surface that can be seen from above the water with crew lying face down or face up.”

Helmets are effective at reducing the risk of skull fractures, lacerations, and severe traumatic brain injury, but do not always prevent concussion.

• To reduce the severity of a concussion, we encourage correctly fitting helmets. A sailor is at an increased risk of concussion severity and duration if a helmet fits improperly.
• Adding layers into the helmet for warmth or additional protection (such as Unequal inserts) will affect the fit and should be considered when fitting a helmet.

Sailors should replace their helmet if they have sustained a concussive episode or if there is visible damage to their helmet. It is recommended that sailors at regattas carry a second helmet for such scenarios as damage through travel, normal use or impact.

Concussion in sailing remains a possibility, particularly in classes with rapid maneuvers, low booms, heavy weather or high speed equipment. Awareness, education, and appropriate response protocols remain essential.