A new program which aims to reduce the long-term, debilitating impact of concussion injuries across sport, schools and the community has been launched.

The South Australian Government has provided $300,000 to the South Australian Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) to assist in the delivery of its Community Concussion Program.

The program aims to provide all members of the sporting community – including coaches, players, parents, officials and teachers ­– with the confidence to administer assistance and provide the correct care and advice.

If appropriately managed, most symptoms and signs of concussion can be resolved, however, complications can occur, including prolonged symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury.

SASMA will deliver 18 workshops with sporting associations and clubs each year for the next three years; six of which are to be held in regional areas.

South Australian Sports Medicine Association CEO Danielle Grant-Cross said there was still a lot of work to do in relation to identifying concussion and the management, referral and rehabilitation back to school, work and sport or activity.

“Education is the key and everyone has a role to play – players, parents, coaches, sports trainers, club officials, first aid and administrators of sport – in following the three Rs: recognise, remove, referral,” Ms Grant-Cross said.

“We need to ensure standard processes and practices are adhered too, to support players’ welfare and to support safe physical activity.

“By staying at the forefront of concussion management, we are committed to safeguarding the health and safety of individuals participating in sports at all levels."